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.
Preliminary routes
We are currently in the preliminary routes phase of our route development process. The preliminary route is a further narrowed area within the route corridor. Similar to the route corridor, we will develop the preliminary route based on input gathered during public open houses, input from community members, local leaders, Tribal representatives, and state and federal agencies. These factors will assist the project team as we develop the proposed route for permit applications.
Upcoming events
Thank you for attending our open houses in early January. Stay tuned for future public feedback opportunities!
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.
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2025-2027
- Project planning
- Initial stakeholder engagement
- Route development
- Negotiate easement options with landowners
- Facility Permit application
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2027-2029
- Permitting
- Engineering design
- Environmental surveys
- Real estate
- Public engagement
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2030-2034
- Pre-construction activities
- Construction
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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 processSD 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!