06/06/08 Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LARGEST POWER LINE PROJECT
IN MINNESOTA HISTORY

PUBLIC HEARINGS BEGIN JUNE 17

June 6, 2008— Xcel Energy and 10 other utilities have proposed to build hundreds of miles of new high voltage power lines from North Dakota and South Dakota across Minnesota to Wisconsin. These 345 kV power lines will cost at least $1.3 to $1.6 billion to ratepayers and will define the energy future for Minnesota and the upper Midwest. As many as 73,000 landowners across Minnesota have been told that these power lines may cross their property. This is the largest single power line proposal in Minnesota’s history.

Although Minnesota has laws preferring renewable energy and setting standards for the percentage of renewable energy that utilities must use in the future, the utilities are claiming that they can build the CapX 2020 lines without considering these laws. The CapX 2020 projects have been proposed based on innaccurate forecasts in the future growth in the use of electricity. The utilities have ignored new state laws requiring substantially higher energy conservation efforts and dramatic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. As proposed, these new power lines favor large remote power plants, including coal plants, rather than smaller community-based renewable energy sources.

The decision on whether or not the CapX 2020 power lines will be built is a critical decision about Minnesota’s energy future. Whether or not the power lines may cross their land, citizens concerned about rate increases, conservation, renewable energy, local jobs or the long-term ability of Minnesota to provide our own energy security have a lot at stake with the CapX 2020 projects.

Starting June 17, 2008, public hearings will be held across Minnesota to give people a chance to speak up and tell state officials whether or not to approve the CapX projects. A schedule of public hearing is attached below.

Citizens Energy Task Force, North American Water Office, and Institute for Local Self-Reliance are joining forces to demand an alternative to the CapX power lines. Conservation, renewable energy and community-based wind development will need fewer large power lines and provide lower costs, more local jobs, better environmental protection and a more secure energy future.

A Citizens Energy Task Force “barn dance” at 8919 280 St. W, between Northfield and Lakeville, on June 22, 6 pm - 9:00 pm will provide more information on the power lines and coaching with CETF attorney Paula Maccabee for citizens who want to speak up in public hearings, as well as enjoy music, food, dancing and good conversation. Go to www.CETF.us or www.ilsr.org to learn more about the CapX power lines and choices for an alternative energy future.

Schedule of Public Hearings

Tuesday, June 17, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - Horizon Middle School Cafetorium,  3601 12th Ave. So., Moorhead, MN

Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - MN State Community and Technical College, Science Lecture Hall, Room S450, 1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN

Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - Alexandria Technical College Auditorium 205, Main Building,
1601 Jefferson Street, Alexandria, MN

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - Melrose Area High School Auditorium, Door 13, 546 North 5th Avenue East, Melrose, MN

Thursday, June 19, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - Clearwater Township Hall, 15015 State Highway 24,
Clearwater, MN

Friday, June 20, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - Clearwater Township Hall, 15015 State Highway 24, Clearwater, MN

Monday, June 23, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - Marshall High School Auditorium, 400 Tiger Drive, Marshall, MN

Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - Marshall High School Auditorium, 400 Tiger Drive, Marshall, MN

Tuesday, June 24, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - Redwood Falls High School Auditorium, 100 George Ramseth Drive, Redwood Falls, MN

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 10:00 a.m. - Arlington Community Center, Room 2, 204 Shamrock Drive, Arlington, MN

Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 5:00 p.m. - New Prague High School Commons, 221 12th Street NE, New Prague, MN

Thursday, June 26, 2008, 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - Lakeville South High School Auditorium, 21135 Jacquard Avenue, Lakeville, MN

Monday, June 30, 2008, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - Cannon Falls Elementary School, 1020 E. Minnesota Street, Cannon Falls, MN

Tuesday, July 1, 2008, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - Tau Conference Center, Winona State University West Campus, 511 Hilbert Street, Winona, MN

Wednesday, July 2, 2008, 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - John Adams Middle School Auditorium, 1525 31st Street NW, Rochester, MN