Minnesota Administrative Rules

7849.0260 PROPOSED LHVTL AND ALTERNATIVES APPLICATION.

Each application for a proposed LHVTL must include:

A.

a description of the type and general location of the proposed line, including:

(1)

the design voltage;

(2)

the number, the sizes, and the types of conductors;

(3)

the expected losses under projected maximum loading and under projected average loading in the length of the transmission line and at the terminals or substations;

(4)

the approximate length of the proposed transmission line and the portion of that length in Minnesota;

(5)

the approximate location of DC terminals or AC substations, which information shall be on a map of appropriate scale; and

(6)

a list of all counties reasonably likely to be affected by construction and operation of the proposed line;

B.

a discussion of the availability of alternatives to the facility, including but not limited to:

(1)

new generation of various technologies, sizes, and fuel types;

(2)

upgrading of existing transmission lines or existing generating facilities;

(3)

transmission lines with different design voltages or with different numbers, sizes, and types of conductors;

(4)

transmission lines with different terminals or substations;

(5)

double circuiting of existing transmission lines;

(6)

if the proposed facility is for DC (AC) transmission, an AC (DC) transmission line;

(7)

if the proposed facility is for overhead (underground) transmission, an underground (overhead) transmission line; and

(8)

any reasonable combinations of the alternatives listed in subitems (1) to (7);

C.

for the proposed facility and for each of the alternatives provided in response to item B that could provide electric power at the asserted level of need, a discussion of:

(1)

its total cost in current dollars;

(2)

its service life;

(3)

its estimated average annual availability;

(4)

its estimated annual operating and maintenance costs in current dollars;

(5)

an estimate of its effect on rates systemwide and in Minnesota, assuming a test year beginning with the proposed in-service date;

(6)

its efficiency, expressed for a transmission facility as the estimated losses under projected maximum loading and under projected average loading in the length of the transmission line and at the terminals or substations, or expressed for a generating facility as the estimated heat rate; and

(7)

the major assumptions made in providing the information in subitems (1) to (6);

D.

a map (of appropriate scale) showing the applicant's system or load center to be served by the proposed LHVTL; and

E.

such other information about the proposed facility and each alternative as may be relevant to determination of need.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 216A.05; 216B.08; 216B.2421; 216B.243; 216C.10

History:

L 1983 c 289 s 115; 12 SR 2624

Published Electronically:

October 13, 2009