0 CapX /1/2015 CapX 2020 Transmission Plan: Ensuring Reliable Electricity

1 CapX /1/2015 Need for Reliable Electricity Projected Population Growth: 1.3 million by 2050  Projected Job Growth: 500,000 new jobs by 2012  Projected Electric Demand Growth: 4,500-6,300 MW by 2020 CapX 2020 projects will ensure the region has reliable electricity to power homes, businesses and farms for decades to come Transmission will enable more wind and renewable energy to come on-line

2 CapX /1/2015 Project Groups Project Group Proposed In- Service Group I SE Twin Cities-Rochester-LaCrosse / 345kV Bemidji-Grand Rapids/ 230 kV Fargo-St. Cloud/Monticello / 345kV Brookings, SD-SE Twin Cities / 345 kV Group II – Around the Twin Cities New 345 KV transmission loop around the Twin Cities 2014 to 2020 Group III – Remote Generation Outlet As needed and generation projects developed2014 to 2020

3 CapX /1/2015 Group I Projects Four lines work together to ensure reliability for the region Lines meet most urgent need Lines will serve as outlet for whatever generation resources are built (These corridors are preliminary)

4 CapX /1/2015 Group 1 Project CapX Brookings, SD – SE Twin Cities Improves reliability in West Central Minnesota, Minnesota River Valley and Twin Cities; access to new generation, including wind Scope: approx. 250 miles, 345 kilovolt Proposed in-service:

5 CapX /1/2015 Lyon Cty

6 CapX /1/2015 Brookings-Twin Cities 345 kV Studies Based on SW MN → Twin Cities EHV Development Electric Transmission Study Completed November 2005 Additional studies Generation Alternative System Adjustments: MISO Queue additions – Lake Marion Xfmr Overload Combined CapX Group I Loss Analysis Local Load Serving Marshall, Franklin, Lake Marion, New Ethanol Loads Underlying system study

7 CapX /1/2015 Additional CapX Efforts Cost Allocation: MISO RECB Analysis MISO: Baseline Reliability Study – MTEP Communications Team has been presenting the projects at several county & township groups along the potential route. CapX team filed Exemption Filing, Comments regarding the filing have been received from DOC, NAWO, Windustry, Overland Law Office & Prairie Island Indian Reservation. Notice Plan filing before CON Filing. 30 Days before CON Filing. Permitting team will determine when to file Notification Plan when CON is nearing completion.

8 CapX /1/2015 Minnesota PUC CON Timeline Q3 2006Q4 2006Q1 2007Q2 2007Q3 2007Q4 2007Q File Notice Plans File Notice Plans Implement NPs Implement NPs File CON File CON Issued CON Issued Project Communications Notice Plans Approved Notice Plans Approved Hearings Briefs Reply Briefs Briefs Reply Briefs CON Review Data Requests Environmental Review CON Review Data Requests Environmental Review Prepare CON Prepare CON Oct 4, 2006 Route Development for All Four Projects Agency/Gov’t Consultations Public Meetings Separate but coordinated efforts Route Development for All Four Projects Agency/Gov’t Consultations Public Meetings Separate but coordinated efforts Opportunities for Public Involvement

9 CapX /1/2015 Contacts Randy Fordice— ;