North Dakota Public Service Commission Approves Controversial Power Line Project
Bismarck, ND – On Wednesday, the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a $440 million transmission line project from Jamestown to Ellendale despite objections from one commissioner who questioned its necessity. The proposed 85-mile line is intended to enhance regional energy capacity but has drawn scrutiny regarding its justification.
Commission Chair Randy Christmann expressed doubts, stating, “I haven’t heard the justification yet,” emphasizing that concerns over yet-to-be-built power generation needing additional transmission were “premature.” He asserted there were no current issues necessitating the project. However, fellow commissioner Julie Fedorchak, participating remotely from Washington, D.C., highlighted the immediate benefits of reducing power congestion in the region, particularly for the expanding Applied Digital data center in Ellendale.
With the approval of this 345-kilovolt line, customers of Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) can expect an additional monthly charge of approximately $3.15, while customers of Otter Tail Power will pay around $5.75. Christmann warned that these expenses would burden ratepayers for the next 40 years. Additionally, since the project is part of a broader regional initiative, customers from other states will also contribute to the funding.
Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart supported the project, noting that cost allocations among the 14 states involved are still being finalized. As North Dakota residents prepare to shoulder their share of the expenses, concerns about the overarching utility financing model persist.
The PSC’s decision raises vital questions about the future of power generation and transmission in North Dakota and the financial implications for its residents.
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Photo credit northdakotamonitor.com
