Big Stone South to Hankinson to Bison
Transmission Line
Powering progress across North Dakota and South Dakota
The Big Stone South to Hankinson to Bison transmission line (BSSHB) will enhance the electric grid to continue to provide reliable, low-cost electricity to customers across North Dakota and South Dakota.
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South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approves Facility Permit!
Overview
Imagine a future for North Dakota and South Dakota that’s defined by a resilient, reliable electric grid that supports rural living and thriving communities. This vision drives the partnership between Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy to develop, construct, and operate the approximately 150-mile, 345-kilovolt (kV) Big Stone South to Hankinson to Bison transmission line. This line would run from Otter Tail Power’s Big Stone South Substation in South Dakota to its Hankinson Substation in North Dakota, then continue to Xcel Energy’s Bison Substation near Mapleton, North Dakota.
Benefits
Energy consumption continues to increase, and it’s our responsibility to build the next generation of infrastructure to support the electrical grid for the next 50+ years. Otter Tail Power and Xcel Energy are working together to continue to provide the reliable, low-cost electricity that people, farms, and businesses in our area depend on. We’re pursuing the BSSHB transmission line to support the region’s transmission system now and into the future.
The project will help to:
Enhance 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, Tribal Nations, and other stakeholders throughout the development process and the duration of the project.
We’re currently targeting an in-service date of late 2033.
* Schedule is subject to change
Partners
Otter Tail Power Company, an electric utility owned by Otter Tail Corporation, provides electricity and energy services for approximately 133,900 customers in 422 communities across North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Xcel Energy, a Minneapolis-based utility, provides electricity and energy services for approximately 3.7 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across eight states, including North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Connect with us
Otter Tail Power and Xcel Energy are looking forward to engaging with residents, Tribal Nations, business and property owners, agencies, and other stakeholders throughout the route development process.
We’re early in the planning phase and have a long way to go before we finalize a route and begin construction. We’re looking forward to your feedback and input as we begin project development.