Freeborn Wind – AGAIN!
October 24th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2015/12/xcel_Logo.jpg)
Here we go, deja vu all over again. Xcel Energy has taken over Freeborn Wind and has asked for a permit amendment, the Permit Amendment filings are here:
STAY, Freeborn Wind!
The Public Utilities Commission has just issued notice of the Comment period on the Permit Amendment:
Initial comments accepted through November 12, 2019 at 4:30 PM.
Reply comments accepted through November 19, 2019 at 4:30 PM.
Here is what they want to hear about:
Topics for Public Comment:
• Should the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission amend the Freeborn Wind Farm Site Permit to change the number, type and layout of the turbines to be used, as well as additional participating land?
• Should the Commission accept the supplemental environmental impact analysis?
• Should any permit conditions be modified or added if the requested amendments are approved?
• Are there other issues or concerns related to this matter?
Oh yes, there are plenty of other issues, and you’ll hear all about it, PUC! But it’s nothing you don’t know already.
To view all the filings, go HERE – DOCKET SEARCH and search for 17=410 (17 = year, 410 = docket).
How to Submit Comments:
Online Visit mn.gov/puc, select Speak Up!, find this docket, and add your comments to the discussion.
Email Comments can be emailed to publicadvisor.puc@state.mn.us
U.S. Mail Charley Bruce, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E, Suite 350, Saint Paul, MN 55101-2147
eFiling Visit mn.gov/puc, select eFiling, and follow the prompts (you’ll need to register, and it’s EASY and fast).
STAY, Freeborn Wind!
October 2nd, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2009/02/crowd_cheering_med.jpg)
And we SCORE! Association of Freeborn County Landowners had a win earlier today when the Minnesota Court of Appeals granted our Motion for Stay of the Freeborn Wind Appeal as the Xcel Request for Amendment goes forward. YES! Sure glad we’re not having to do two things at once!
And FYI, here’s Xcel’s Amendment Request:
Ex 1_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 1 of 4_20198-155331-01Download
Ex 2_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 2 of 4_20198-155331-02Download
Ex 3_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 3 of 4_20198-155331-03Download
Ex 4_Xcel Site Permit Amendment Application_Part 4 of 4_20198-155331-04Download
Court DENIES Freeborn Wind/Xcel Motion to Dismiss
August 27th, 2019
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2009/02/crowd_cheering_med.jpg)
Freeborn Wind, now owned by Xcel Energy, tried to get Association of Freeborn County Landowners booted out of the Appellate Court. Freeborn Wind’s Motion DENIED!
And here’s the Order of the Appellate Court:
And this delightful snippet:
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/08/Snippet.jpg)
So now we’re off to the races!! We filed a Motion to Stay the Proceeding, because Xcel has filed its request for a site permit amendment. We shall see…
More transmission? They’re nuts!
August 19th, 2019
![](https://nocapx2020.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/CapX.jpg)
I saw this today and it’s nauseating.
First there was CapX 2020 transmission (following Arrowhead transmission, which was supposed to be the be-all and end-all of transmission)(and the SW MN 345kV line, precursor to CapX 2020. CapX transmission was based on a forecasted 2.49% increase in demand, which as we know, didn’t happen.
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/02/Xcel-2018-Peak.jpg)
And there was the MISO 17 project MVP Portfolio:
![](https://nocapx2020.info/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/MVP-portfolio-map.jpg)
Tomorrow, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission is making its decision regarding the Cardinal-Hickory Creek project, the southern part of #5 above, and the LAST of the MVP projects to go through state administrative approval.
So today, this is in the STrib:
Minnesota utilities will study if the $2B CapX2020 grid improvements were enough
By Mike Hughlett Star Tribune AUGUST 19, 2019 — 3:05PM
![](https://stmedia.stimg.co/ows_156623796175084.jpg?auto=compress&crop=faces&dpr=1&w=525)
Photo: DAVID JOLESA utility worker assesses electrical power lines in south Minneapolis.
So that said, here’s Xcel Energy’s Integrated Resource Plan’s Appendix on transmission:Xcel IRP – Appendix I – Transmission & Distribution – from 20197-154051-03Download
The schedule for IRP hearings was just released, it’s in October, so there’s time to make time for it:
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/08/IRP-Hearings.jpg)
We know Xcel Energy gets a “handsome” rate of return for transmission capital expenditures (hence “CapX transmission), so of course they want to build more. The IRP is our time to tell them how they should get the electricity they need, whether their plans are making any sense.
How about shutting down some of those coal plants, and freeing up some capacity? How about siting solar on every rooftop, over every parking lot, putting the generation at load so we don’t need transmission? Oh, but wait, that makes too much sense, especially where a utility wants to keep control of the generation, and the expenditures, and rake in the dough.
Time to pay attention to the IRP. URP!
IA Side of Freeborn Wind
August 2nd, 2019
There’s a “Construction Information Session” happening Thursday, August 22, 2019 in Northwood, Iowa. Plenty of time to prepare!
![](https://legalectric.org/f/2019/08/Postcard.jpg)