Skip to main content

PowerOn Midwest

PowerOn Midwest

South Dakota

Overview

Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy have partnered to develop the proposed PowerOn Midwest - South Dakota project, a 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to serve customers in South Dakota and throughout the Upper Midwest. The project is part of a regional effort to modernize the electric grid, ensure continued electric reliability, and meet growing energy needs throughout the region.

Upcoming events

The next round of open houses will be in January 2026. Visit the Events page for more information.

Join the Mailing List

Segment timeline

The South Dakota segment is expected to be in-service by 2034. View the major milestones below. This schedule is subject to change.

  • 2025-2027

    • Project planning
    • Initial stakeholder engagement
    • Route development
    • Negotiate easement options with landowners
    • Facility Permit application

  • 2027-2029

    • Permitting
    • Engineering design
    • Environmental surveys
    • Real estate
    • Public engagement

  • 2030-2034

    • Pre-construction activities
    • Construction

  • 2034

    • Anticipated in-service
    • Clean up
    • Restoration

Regulatory process

All high-voltage transmission proposals like PowerOn Midwest-South Dakota must undergo a comprehensive state regulatory review overseen by the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC). In South Dakota, the primary approval is a Facility Permit that must be obtained before a transmission line can be built. The SD PUC reviews routing applications for high-voltage transmission lines, and if approved, issues an order granting a Facility Permit that authorizes construction and operation of the facility (transmission line).

The process to obtain a Facility Permit takes approximately 12 months before the PUC issues a decision. Before making a determination, the SD PUC will hold public input hearings to collect feedback.

In addition to the Facility Permit, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) must be obtained from each county where the transmission line will be located. The process to obtain a CUP generally takes approximately three months. Depending on the county, the Board of Adjustment, Board of County Commissioners, or Planning Commission will receive the application, and then within 30 days host a public hearing to present findings on the matter.

Explore the Facility Permit process

SD PUC Docket

To view the filings, visit the SD PUC's e-Filing page. From there, you can learn more about eDockets and find our docket by clicking "2025 Electric Dockets" and searching for the docket number.

Facility Permit docket # coming soon!

Share your feedback

Routing is a critical early step in developing transmission infrastructure. In South Dakota, we are identifying potential routes that balance landowner input, engineering feasibility, and environmental consideration. When developing a route, we consider:

Opportunities

Features that may help minimize impacts and align with existing infrastructure:

  • Existing transmission lines and utility corridors
  • Highways and roads
  • Section lines
  • Property boundaries
  • Field lines

Sensitivities

Area resources or conditions that may require additional review and consideration:

  • Agricultural uses (organic farms, aerial spraying, etc.)
  • Drain tile systems
  • Airports and air navigation facilities
  • Cemeteries and religious facilities
  • Cultural, archaeological, and historic sites
  • Wetlands, rivers, lakes, and floodplains
  • Residences and schools
  • Conservation areas and sensitive habitats
  • Parks, trails, and recreational areas.

Click or tap 'Add a Comment' to get started. If you prefer to leave a general comment visit the Contact Us page.

Segment resources

October 2025 Outreach Materials

Fact Sheets