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Jamestown to Ellendale

TRANSMISSION LINE

This project will help ensure the transmission grid continues to provide reliable, cost-effective electricity to customers across the region.

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View the updated proposed route map. Learn more

Overview

Otter Tail Power and Montana-Dakota Utilities are partnering to develop, construct, and co-own an approximately 95-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in North Dakota. The Jamestown to Ellendale transmission line (JETx) will run from Otter Tail Power's Jamestown Substation to Montana-Dakota Utilities' existing Ellendale Substation.

Explore our interactive map
Overview map showing project corridors.
Click to enlarge

Partners

Otter Tail Power Company, an electric utility owned by Otter Tail Corporation, provides electricity and energy services for approximately 133,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers across 70,000 square miles in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. distributes natural gas and generates, transmits, and distributes electricity in the northern Great Plains. MDU's service area covers more than 168,000 square miles and serves nearly 431,000 customers in 271 communities.

Both Otter Tail Power and Montana-Dakota Utilities, belong to the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, also referred to as MISO. MISO is a non-profit, member-based regional transmission organization that provides reliable, cost-effective electric systems and operations; dependable and transparent prices; open access to markets; and planning for long-term efficiency

Benefits

Long-range transmission planning is necessary to ensure a reliable and efficient regional and interregional transmission system. MISO is pursuing the JETx transmission project to support the region's transmission system now and into the future. MISO, Otter Tail Power, and MDU are working together to help keep low-cost energy available and reliable for those who need it. The project will benefit the region by helping to:

  • Ensure electric reliability

  • Increase resiliency to extreme weather events

  • Reduce transmission congestion

  • Increase access to low-cost energy

Schedule

Developing and constructing a transmission line is a multi-year effort. We’ll continue coordinating with landowners, local governments, agencies, and other stakeholders throughout the development process. We are currently targeting an in-service date of late 2028.

Get involved!
In 2023, the project was being developed with engagement from stakeholders and landowners. In late 2024, the route permit is submitted and a public hearing occurs. Construction will occur between 2025 and 2028.
Click to enlarge

* Schedule is subject to change

Connect with us

Otter Tail Power and Montana-Dakota Utilities have been engaging with residents, business and property owners, agencies, and other stakeholders.

We have more work to do before we finalize a route and begin construction. We look forward to your feedback and input as we continue project development.

  • Attend an event

    View upcoming events and past event materials.

    See meeting materials
  • Explore our interactive map

    See where we're proposing to build the new line, then add a comment.

    Drop a pin
  • Connect with the team

    Your input is important, and we want to hear from you!

    Send us a note

Library & FAQs

Download project and permitting documents and find answers in our FAQ section.

Learn about the project

Map & Routing

Learn more about how we route a transmission line and explore our interactive map. Have feedback? Drop a pin to leave us a comment.

See our progress