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

In early 2024, an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity was submitted to the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC). Right-of-way agents continue to work with landowners and more than 60% of easements have been signed as of early December 2024.

In early 2025, a combined request for a Certificate of Corridor Compatibility and Route Permit application will be submitted to the PSC. The PSC will review the application and hold a public hearing before making a decision on the siting application.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in 2026 with an in-service date by the end 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.

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.

Once compensation for an easement is determined and we receive an executed agreement, landowners have the option to receive a full one-time payment or annual installments for up to five years. Landowners may elect to receive installment payments per North Dakota Century Code; however, payments are for the land itself—not the landowner. As such, if property with an easement changes ownership, installment payments would then be made to the new owner(s).

Construction areas and temporary access roads that are not needed for ongoing operation and maintenance of the new transmission line will be restored to their previous condition, to the extent possible. We'll take direction from the landowner regarding the needs and specifications for each parcel with grass or hay. Cropland will be de-compacted and left in an orderly state to continue farming operations. Construction materials will also be removed.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) requires reclamation, fertilization, and reseeding to be done according to Natural Resources Conservation Service recommendations. Any landowner requests that deviate from these recommendations will require us to first get approval from the PSC.

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.

It is anticipated that a siting certificate will be issued in the second half of 2025. Other environmental permits can take up to a year depending on the permit's specific conditions. Required permits will be applied for and granted before the start of construction.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission will make the final determination of the approved route. The approved route may include the proposed route, or it may include Route Alternatives proposed by landowners, agencies or other stakeholders as part of the regulatory process.

The best way to get involved in this process is to 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.