The project kicked off in early 2023, and a series of open houses were held in June, July, and September.

In Q3 of 2024, a joint permit application is anticipated to be submitted to the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC). The ND PSC will review the application and hold a public hearing before making a decision.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in late 2025 or early 2026 with an in-service date of 2028.

JETx is one of 18 new transmission projects in the Upper Midwest identified by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in Tranche 1 of their Long-Range Transmission Planning effort. This project will help ensure electric reliability, increase resiliency to extreme weather events, reduce transmission congestion, and increase access to low-cost energy in the region.

The typical structure will be approximately 150-foot-high, single-pole, self-weathering steel with double- circuit capability, meaning it can support a second set of conductors. While this is the proposed design, the structure type may vary due to a variety of reasons. We'll continue to share more details as they become available.

The purpose of the transmission line is to increase overall reliability and reduce generator congestion of the grid not only in North Dakota, but across the Upper Midwest. This transmission line is not being built because of one specific energy project, and future energy generation resources of all types, including wind, may connect to this line. If this occurs, those entities would be subject to separate regulatory processes.

Otter Tail Power Company and Montana-Dakota Utilities will undergo a consultation process with federal and state agencies to avoid and minimize adverse impacts to sensitive species within the right of way.

Environmental permitting and approvals from appropriate federal, state, and local agencies will be obtained once a final route is identified and prior to construction. A permit matrix will be developed as the project progresses.

The project will also coordinate construction activities with local government agencies, jurisdictions, and other stakeholders. Please see our Field Survey Handout for more information.

If your property is located within the study area, you likely received communications about the project by mail inviting you to public open house meetings. If your property is located along the final route, a right-of-way agent will reach out to begin the acquisition process. Following this, a right-of-way agent will present an easement. We'll work with landowners to address any questions or concerns and collaboratively work to reach an agreement.

Right of way is a portion of land needed for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the transmission line. Typically, a width of 150 feet is needed for a 345-kV transmission line. Right of way is typically secured through negotiation and acquisition of an easement agreement.

To assess potential routes and conduct the necessary environmental, engineering, and geologic studies/surveys, right of way agents will work with landowners and residents to acquire a temporary right-of-entry agreement. This agreement does not give permission for construction.

An easement agreement provides the rights for Otter Tail Power Company and Montana-Dakota Utilities to access, construct, operate, and maintain transmission lines and associated facilities (e.g., structures, wires) on your property.

We value landowner and resident input and will take all feedback and input to the project team for evaluation. Examples of this may include soil type or condition, known cultural areas, quarries, cemeteries, private airstrips, homestead locations, or other critical siting criteria.

The best way to get involved in this process is to review public open house materials, attend public hearings, visit this website, send us an email at connect@JamestowntoEllendale.com or call 888-794-6243 with questions, comments, or concerns. Landowners and residents within the route corridor will receive information throughout project development.