PowerOn Midwest to Host Public Open Houses for Big Stone South to Brookings Transmission Project
- Steve Jurrens
- Jan 5
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Big Stone City, SD - Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy are hosting a series of public open houses in January 2026 to discuss the PowerOn Midwest Big Stone South to Brookings transmission line project. These events follow initial outreach in October 2025 and aim to gather more community input as the project advances into the route development phase.
The project involves the construction of a 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, a technology chosen for its ability to efficiently carry power over long distances while requiring fewer structures and a narrower total right-of-way than multiple lower-voltage lines. The initiative aims to bolster regional grid reliability and meet projected increases in electricity demand driven by manufacturing growth and new technology.
Upcoming Open House Schedule:
Area residents are invited to attend any of the following in-person meetings to learn more about the study area and share information regarding local routing considerations:
·       Big Stone City, SD
o  Date/Time: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
o  Location: Big Stone City Community Center, 400 Washington St. Ste. 102
·       Milbank, SD
o  Date/Time: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
o  Location: Speedway Grill & Event Center, 221 E. 3rd Ave.
·       Clear Lake, SD
o  Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
o  Location: Clear Lake Community Center, 218 3rd Ave. S.
·       Brookings, SD
o  Date/Time: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
o  Location: Brookings Inn & Convention Center, 2500 6th St.
For those unable to attend in person, a Self-Guided Virtual Open House will be available online from January 13, 2026, through February 3, 2026.
Project Background and Next Steps
The Big Stone South to Brookings segment was approved by MISO, the regional grid operator, in December 2024 as part of a larger portfolio of long-range transmission projects. Currently in the early stages of development, the project team is focused on identifying route corridors by evaluating opportunities, such as existing utility corridors and section lines, while accounting for sensitivities, including residences, agricultural land, and environmental resources.
Following this round of public engagement, the utilities plan to refine these corridors into preliminary routes throughout 2026 and 2027. A formal Facility Permit application is expected to be filed with the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (SD PUC) in 2026 or 2027, starting a comprehensive review process that typically lasts 12 months.
The project is expected to have an in-service date between 2032 and 2034.
Community members with questions can contact the project team at 877-869-2087 or via email at SouthDakota@PowerOnMidwest.com. https://www.poweronmidwest.com/events/