March 31, 2004
Mr. David L. Eves, Vice President
Resource Planning and Acquisition
Xcel Energy Markets
Address
City state zip
Subject:
Transmission outlet projects for wind generation on Buffalo Ridge
Your letter dated January 16, 2004
Dear David:
I am writing in response to your letter dated January 16, 2004 requesting information regarding the
status and in-service dates of transmission infrastructure improvements in southwest Minnesota.
You asked for the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Confirm the list of components and in-service dates for the 425 MW outlet capacity project
The in-service date of the Lakefield Junction to Fox Lake 161 kV project
Cost and likelihood of accelerating the upgrades of the 425 MW group
Outlet capacity available today
Outlet capacity available upon the completion of each component of the 425 group of
upgrades
6. When 540 MW of outlet capacity will be achieved
I will address the first three items on this list. The last three items are issues of capacity, and MISO
will be addressing those items in the near future. Xcel Energy is currently assisting MISO with this
study.
As was posted to the MISO OASIS in February 2003, the anticipated in-service date for the 425 MW
project is April 11, 2006 and the anticipated in-service date for the 825 MW project is October 26,
2007.
Components of the 425 MW Outlet Project
Project Component – 425 Project
Wilmarth – Martin County 345
Black Dog transformer
Paynesville transformer
Grant County – Brandon 115
Chanarambie – Lake Yankton 115
Minnesota Valley relaying
Lyon County substation
Willmar – Kerkhoven tap 115
Summit – Loon Lake tap 115
Anticipated In-Service Date
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete (MRES project)
Complete
April 2004
April 2004
May 2004
May 2004
Project Component – 425 Project
Lake Yankton SVC
Lake Yankton substation
Lake Yankton – Lyon County 2nd 115 circuit
Bird Island – Franklin 69
Alexandria – Douglas County 115: Xcel segment
Alexandria – Douglas County: Otter Tail segment
Troy Switching Station 69
Paynesville – Wakefield
Minnesota Valley – Redwood Falls tap
Willmar 115/69 transformer
Minnesota Valley transformers
Lakefield to Fox Lake 161
Anticipated In-Service Date
May 2004
May 2004
October 2004
December 2004
December 2004
TBD
December 2004
April 2005
May 2005
December 2005 (Willmar
Municipal Utilities project)
February 2006
April 2006
Project Acceleration
The Xcel Energy transmission organization continues to review opportunities to accelerate the
completion of the 425 and 825 MW outlet projects. For example, our construction crews are
working overtime on key projects. We are utilizing contract construction crews on several projects
this year. In addition, we have augmented our workforce with consultants in order to speed the
permitting processes.
We are also working aggressively with MISO and are reviewing operational studies in order to
determine intermediate steps that will yield additional outlet capacity. We expect positive results, and
anticipate additional outlet capacity will be available later this year.
Per FERC regulations, this letter has been posted to the MISO OASIS.
Sincerely,