NOTICE PLAN SOUTHWEST TWIN CITIES (SWTC) BLUFF CREEK- WESTGATE TRANSMISSION LINE UPGRADE FROM 69 KV TO 115 KV CAPACITY DOCKET No.

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1 @ Xcel Energy 9 April 19, 2011 Burl W. Haar Executive Secretary Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 7'^ Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota Via Electronic Filing- RE: NOTICE PLAN SOUTHWEST TWIN CITIES (SWTC) BLUFF CREEK- WESTGATE TRANSMISSION LINE UPGRADE FROM 69 KV TO 115 KV CAPACITY DOCKET No. E002/CN-11- Dear Dr. Haar: Northern, a Minnesota corporation ("Xcel Energy" or the "Company") submits this Notice Plan Petition (or approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission. The Company is proposing to upgrade the 69 kv Bluff Creek Westgate transmission line to 115 kv capacity. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact me at SINCERELY, /s/ MARKSUEL Regulatory Case Specialist Enclosure c: Service List EXHIBIT it ih

2 STATE OF MINNESOTA BEFORE THE MINNESOTA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION Ellen Anderson J. Dennis O'Brien David Boyd Phyllis Reha Betsy Wergin Chair Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF NORTHERN STATES POWER COMPANY, A MINNESOTA CORPORATION, FOR A CERTIFICATE OF NEED TO UPGRADE THE SOUTHWEST TWIN CITIES (SWTC) BLUFF CREEK- WESTGATE 69 KV TRANSMISSION LINE TO 115 KV CAPACITY DOCKET NO. E002/CN-11- NOTICE PLAN PETITION I. INTRODUCTION Northern, a Minnesota corporation ("Xcel Energy" or "Company"), submits this Notice Plan for approval by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ("Commission") pursuant to Minnesota Rules Xcel Energy intends to submit an application for a Certificate of Need to upgrade the Bluff Creek -Westgate 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv capacity near die Cities of Chanhassen, Shorewood, Excelsior, Deephaven, Greenwood, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The 69 kv transmission line that we propose to upgrade runs in a northeast loop from the City of Chanhassen located in Carver County to the City of Eden Prairie located in Hennepin County. This upgrade is needed to prevent overloading conditions in the region during various contingencies. The upgrades will also allow future growth and development in the southwest region of the Twin Cities.

3 The proposed pro^e^ hnetol^kveapaeityineludin^ ^ Converting approxim^e^36miles of 69 kvtrans^ssion^ transmission hne hetween tiieblnffcree^ and ExeelsiorSuhs^ D Converting approximateiy^miies of 69 kv transmission hne to l^kv eapaeity hetween the Exeeisior and Deephaven Substations ^ Converting approximateiy7^miies of 69kV transmission hnetol^kv eapaeity hetween the Deephaven andwestgate Substations ^ Upgrading the Exeeisior and Deephaven Substations to H5kV capacity Amapof the proposed project is provided as Attachments Asaftrst step in the regulatory process, this notice pian has been prepared to provide interested persons the opportunity to participate in tiiecertiticate of Need proceeding. IT NOTICE PLAN PROPOSAL The attached map depicts the transmission line notice corridor The red dashed line depicts the existing69kv transmission line thatwe propose to upgrade to H5kV capacity The brown dashed line depicts an alternative route forasegment of the line. This alternative segmentis based on initial feedback from arearesidents and local oftictals that was received by Xcel Energy during an open house meeting held in ^anuary,20h In conformity with Minn Rule 7S29, we propose to provide notice to potentially affected landowners and residents within the proposed project area Our notice plan consists of four parts: D Direct mail notice to landowners within the notice corridor; ^ Direct mail notice to residents with mailing addresses within the notice corridot; ^ Direct mail notice to local units ofgovernment in and around the notice corridor; and ^ General notice by publishing ads in local newspapers with circulation within the notice corridor.

4 Examples ofthe notice ^ersan^ newspaper ad are also inelntied in this tiling ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ The proposed project entails upgrading approximately^n^lesof69kvtransm^ line tol^kveapaeity within existing right-of-way However, during an open house meetingheldhyxeelenergy,loealresidents and oftieials voiced their opinion that approxitnately^miles of the existing line should he re-routed along Highways This 4mile segment currently parallelsatrail^pedestrian pathway in the Cities ofexcelsior, Greenwood and Deephaven hetween the Excelsior and Deephaven Substations. Relocating this segment of the line would also move it further away from the shoreline ofeake Minnetonka. Because our proposal involvesacommunity focal point (pedestrian pathway) and the possibility of reroutingasegmentoftransmission line,we generally proposeanotice corridor approximatelylmile wide (l^mile on each side of the center line) along Highway^and that area of the existing hne that would be removed; however, in some locations the width would be narrower or wider depending on geographical features such as Lake Minnetonka and local roadways, f^or those segments that are far removed from the pedestrian path and alternative ^oute,weproposeanoticecorridorof^ofeet(^ofeeton each side ofthe center line) Wewill rely on in-house personnel to assemble the mailing list and execute the mailings. All citizens living within the notice corridor will be directly notitied by mail notice and indirectly through local newspaper advertisements, fn addition, we wiil be sending notice to local ofticialsofcities and counties in and around the notice corridor. These ofticials will also receive notice ofpublic information meetings, public hearings and other formal events. A. Ditect Mail Notice to Eando^vncr^ Minnesota Rules 7^.2550, Subp 3(A), requires apphcants to provide direct mail notice to all landowners hkely to be affected by the proposed transmission lines. Xcel Energy intends to gather landowner names and addresses from counties within the identitied notice corridor. B^ Direct Mail Notice to Mailing Addre^c^ MinnesotaRules7S29 ^0,Subp 3(B^ requires applicants to provide direct mail notice to all mailing addresses in the area that are likely to be affected by the proposed transmission lines. Xcel Energy intends to send notice to all mailtngaddtesses within the notice corridor. C DirectMailNotice to Eocal Governments

5 Minnesota Rules , Subp. 3(C), requires applicants to provide direct mail notice to tribal governments and to governments of towns, cities, home rule charter cities, and counties whose jurisdictions are reasonably likely to be affected by the proposed transmission lines. Xcel Energy proposes to provide direct mail notice to the following local governments: Carver County County of Carver City of Chanhassen Hennepin County County of Hennepin City of Eden Prairie City of Minnetonka City of Deephaven City of Greenwood City of Excelsior City of Shorewood D. Newspaper Notice Minnesota Rules , Subp. 3(D), requires applicants to publish notice in newspapers in the areas that may be affected by the transmission lines. Xcel Energy proposes to place notice advertisements in the following Minnesota newspapers: Statewide: Minneapolis Star Tribune St. Paul Pioneer Press Carver County: Hennepin County: Chanhassen Villager Eden Prairie News Sun Sailor (readership in Carver/Hennepin) Sun Sailor (readership in Carver/Hennepin) Lakeshore Weekly News E. Notice Content Minnesota Rules , Subp. 4, requires notice packets to include several pieces of information including: a map; right-of-way requirements and statement of intent to acquire property rights; notice that the transmission upgrade cannot be constructed unless the Commission certifies that it is needed; Commission contact information; utility web site information; a statement that the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources will prepare an environmental report;

6 mailing h5tmformation;^^ mailing will incorporate these requirements Our notice Wecrafted the notice letter to serve three purposes^^to introduce and explains need and location of the proposed Bluff Oreek-Westgate transmission line and suhstation upgrades from 69 kvtol^kvcapacity; 2) to encourage potentially affected persons to participate in the regulatory process and; 3) to provide contact information for citizens and ofticials to obtain additional information ahout the project and the regulator process. The map thatwe include with the Notice letter will depict the transn^ssion line corridor area, substations, counties, townships and notable landmarks to aid in orientation. Also included in this tihngisadraft of the notice advertisementwe propose to run in the above listed newspapers. F. Distribution ofnoticc Plan Filing As required under Minnesota Rules , Subp.1, we have sent this Notice Plan tihng to the OES^ the Residential and Small Business Division of the Oftice of the Attorney General, and to those parties hsted on the "General List ofpersons Interestedin Power Plants andtransmission Lines" In addition, we have provided copies to each city and county within the notice corridor. G. NoticcTiming Minnesota Rules , Subp 6, requires the applicant to implement the notice plan within 30days ofits approval by the Commission. Depending on when the notice plan is approved, we request that the Commission modify the notice implementation requirement to allow notice to more closely coincide with our Certificate ofneed application tihng. fn recent transmission cases the Commission has directed notice to occur within 30 days beforeacertiricateofneed application is tiled HL CONCLUSION Xcel Energy respectfully requests that the Commission approve this Notice Plan in preparation foracertiticateofneedapphcationtoupgradeapproximatelyl^mlles of the Bluff Creek-Westgate transmission line from 69kVto^5kV capacity This upgrade will prevent overloading conditions during various contingencies, improve the reliability of the transmission system by replacing some of the ageing hues in the area, and will allow future growth and developmentin the southwest area of thetwin Cities. Dated: April 19,20^1

7 Respectfully submitted, Northern, a Minnesota corporation By hi Paul] Lehman Manager, Regulatory Administration

8 Appendix A

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10 Xcel Energy 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota April 19, 2011 Re: Notice of Certificate of Need proceedings to upgrade the Southwest Twin Cities (SWTC) Bluff Creek- Westgate 69 kv Transmission Line to 115 kv Capacity near the Cities of Chanhassen, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Shorewood, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie located in Carver and Hennepin Counties Dear Local Official: My name is Paul Lehman. I manage regulatory projects for Xcel Energy. I am wridng on behalf of Xcel Energy to inform you of our proposal to upgrade approximately 14 miles of an existing high voltage transmission line and to upgrade two existing substations that may be located in your area. I also explain the regulatory process that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ("the Commission") will follow in determining whether this project is needed and the various opportunities you will have to participate in the regulatory process. Proposed 115 Kilovolt (kv) Transmission Une Upgrade This project is needed to ensure reliable and stable electric sendee in the Chanhassen, Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie areas of the southwest Twin Cities. The project is also needed to allow future growth and development in the area. Our plan to meet area electricity needs includes upgrading the Bluff Creek to Westgate transmission line from 69 kv to 115 kv capacity and to upgrade two substations to 115 kv capacity. We propose the following upgrades: Converting approximately 3.6 miles of 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv transmission line between the Bluff Creek and Excelsior Substations Converting approximately 3 miles of 69 kv transmission Une to 115 kv capacity between the Excelsior and Deephaven Substations Converting approximately 7.5 miles of 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv capacity between the Deephaven and Westgate Substations

11 D Upgrading the Exce^^ capacity The attached map iiiustratcs the proposed projcclthc^^ we propose to upgrade is iiinstratedhy the red dashed hne. The hrown dashed iinerepresentsan aiternahve route that would replace approximateiy^m^ the exisdug hue from the Excelsior Suhstahou to the Deephaven Suhstation Existing Substations are identitiedhy name on the map. Xcel Energy continuously repairs, upgrades and adds new facilities to its system in communities throughout the state to maintain reliable sendee for its customers The project we propose here is part ofalarger effort to ensure rehable electric service throughout tlie southwesttwin Cities. Wepropose to upgrade approximatelyl^miles of transmission hue along existing rlght of-way Some of the existing poles would be removed and replaced with steel structures that are capable ofsupporting the larger transmission line. Typically,115kV transmission lines use wood or steel poles that are^-to SO feet tall and spaced about^oto^ofeet apartwithinanghtof^waythatis about 75 feetwide In tlie event thatnewright-ofway is required forties project, we will work with landowners to purchase property rights, known as an easement, in order to construct any new segment of transmission line that may be needed. If easement terms cannot be reached, we can then submit the dispute to the eminent domain process Iwish to stress the fact that no part of our proposal has been approved and no construction has taken place Again, no routing or construction decisions have been made at this stage of the process This letter is intended to provide you with early notice ofour plans so that you can discuss this important energy projectwithyourconstituents Wehave also sent notice to all potentially affected parties within the shaded area on the enclosed notice map.lhope you will consider taking time to participate in the regulatory process that will ultimately determine if and where these lines are constructed. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ v ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Two regulator steps must be taken before any transmission hne upgrades can begin. Pirst, the Commission must determine whether the upgrade is needed. The Commission will base its determination onathorough review of our application and input received from the public. If the Comtr^ission determines that the transmission project is needed, the second step is to determine where

12 the Une should be bui^ T^ Commission issues hothacerd^ As part ofthe CerutieateofNeed process, the Minnesota Deparmient of Commerce, Division ofenergy Resources wiil solicit puhhe comment and prepare an Environmental Report Additional environmental review ^vill take place during the routing process. The routing process wiu consider environmental, land use, and other potential routing impacts.again,! encourage you to participate and to share your views. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ B ^ ^ ^ ^ Both the Certificate ofneed and Routing processes emphasize puhlic participation There will he puhlic meetings and hearings in your area during the coming months so that you can participate in this important energy infrastructure decision. Notice ofthese meetings and hearings will he published inlocalnewspapersandwiualsobeavailableatthecommission'swebsite (www puc state mn us). You can also learn more about transmission planning in yourareabyvisitingthe^^nesotaelectrictransmission Planning website at^vww.minnelectrans.com. The Certificate ofneed process is governed by Minnesota Statutes^216B243, and Minnesota Rules Chapters^0,7^,and7^The Route Permit process is governed by Minnesota Statutes^216E and Minnesota Rules C^pt^7^ Y^i^nre^ew these regulations at w^vwre^so The apphcation^or these lines, as well as other regulator filings related to our proposal,will be posted atw^v^v.xcelenergy.com.you can also add your name to the official state agency mailing lists to receive information. The mailing address and related information to do so is provided at the end ofthis letter. Please note that the Certificate ofneed process and the Routing process are separate. In other words, decisions about the need for the upgrade will be determined during the Need process. Decisions about the location ofthe transmission line will be made durtng the Routing process. Although the Company plans to upgrade the existing transmission line along existing rights of-way,the Commission must ultimately detert^ine if the existing rightof-way oranew line location is in the pubhc interest. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will reference the Certificate of Need proceeding for our proposal as DocketNoE002/CNll^^^^^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ f ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ T ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ l ^ ^ / ^ ^ ^ ^

13 Please feel free to contact any of the individuals below for more information. Certificate of Need Process Bret Eknes Minnesota Public Utilities Commission th Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, Brct.ekncs@statc.mn.us Xcel Energy Contact Paul J. Lehman 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Paul.Lehmanfa),Xcelenergy.com Routing & Environmental Review Deborah Pile Minnesota Division of Energy Resources 85 7 th Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul, Deborah.pile(g),state.rnn.iis Tm sure your constituents will have questions. We would be happy to meet with you and other local officials to discuss our proposal. Please feel free to contact me at if you have questions or if you need additional information. Sincerely, Paul J Lehman Manager, Regulatory Administration Enclosure

14 @ Xcel Energy 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Minnesota April 19, 2011 Re: Notice of Certificate of Need proceedings to upgrade the Southwest Twin Cities (SWTC) Bluff Creek- Westgate 69 kv Transmission Line to 115 kv Capacity near the Cities of Chanhassen, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Shorewood, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie located in Carver and Hennepin Counties Dear Local Resident/Land Owner: My name is Paul Lehman. I manage regulatory projects for Xcel Energy. I am wridng on behalf of Xcel Energy to inform you of our proposal to upgrade approximately 14 miles of an existing high voltage transmission line and to upgrade two existing substations that may be located in your area. I also explain the regulatory process that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ("the Commission") will follow in determining whether this project is needed and the various opportunities you will have to participate in the regulatory process. Proposed 115 Kilovolt (kv) Transmission Line Upgrade This project is needed to ensure reliable and stable electric service in the Chanhassen, Shorewood, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Minnetonka and Eden Prairie areas of the southwest Twin Cities. The project is also needed to allow future growth and development in the area. Our plan to meet area electricity needs includes upgrading the Bluff Creek to Westgate transmission line from 69 kv to 115 kv capacity and to upgrade two substations to 115 kv capacity. We propose the following upgrades: Converting approximately 3.6 miles of 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv transmission line between the Bluff Creek and Excelsior Substations. Converting approximately 3 miles of 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv capacity between the Excelsior and Deephaven Substations Converting approximately 7.5 miles of 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv capacity between die Deephaven and Westgate Substations

15 D Upgrading the Exce^ioran^ capacity The attached map iiinstrates the proposed project The transn^issionhne that we propose to upgrade is iiinstratedhy the red dashed line. The hrown dashed hue represents an aiternadve route thatwould replace approximateiy^miies of the existing hne from the Excelsior Suhstadon to the Deephaven Suhstadon. Existing Substations are identified hy name on the map. Xcel Energy continuously repairs, upgrades and adds new facilities to its system in communities throughout the state to maintain reliable sendee for its customers. Theprojectweproposehere is part ofalarger effort to ensure reliable electric service throughout the southwesttwin Cities. Wepropose to upgrade approximatelyl^miles of transmission hne along existing right of way. Some of the existing poles would be removed and replaced with steel structures that are capable ofsupporting the larger transmission line. Typically,H5kV transmission lines use wood or steel poles diatare60-to SO feettalland spaced about 300 to 400 ^eet apart withinarlght of-way that is about 75 feet wide, fn die event that new right-of-way is required forties project,wewillworkwith landowners to purchase property rights, known as an easement, in order to construct any new segment of transt^ission line thatmaybe needed.ff easement terms cannot be reached,we can then submit the dispute to the eminent domain process. Iwish to stress the fact that no part of our proposal has been approved and no construction has taken place. Again, no routing or construction decisions have been made at this stage of the process. This letter is intended to provide you with early notice ofour plans so that you can participate in the decision making process for this important energy project. Ihope you will consider taking time to participate in the regulatory process that will ultimately determine if and where these lines are constructed. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ B ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Two regulator steps must be taken before any transmission line upgrades can begin. Eirst,the Commission must determine whether the upgrade is needed. The Commission will base its determination onathorough review of our application and input received from the public. Ifthe Commission determines that the transmission project is needed, the second step is to detenrdne where the bne should be buiit.the transmission line cannot be constructed unless the Commission issues bothacertificateofneedandaroute Permit.

16 As part ofthe Certificate ofneedp^^ Commerce,Division ofenergyres^^ prepare an Environmental Report. Atitiitionaiem^ironmental review wiil take place during the routing process. The routing process ^viii consider environmental,landuse,and other potential routing impacts.again,! encourage you to participate and to share your views. ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Both the Certificate ofneed and Routing processes emphasize puhlic participation. There will he puhlic meetings and hearings in your area during the coming months so that you can participate in this important energy infrastructure decision Notice of these meetings and hearings ^vill he published in local newspapers and will also he available at the Comn^ission'sweh site ^vw puc state mn us). You can also learn more about transmission planning in yourareabyvisitingtheminnesotaelectrictransmission Planning website atwww.mlnnelectranscom. The Certificate ofneed process is governed by Minnesota Statutes^216B.243, and Minnesota Rules Chapters 44f0,7829,and7849The Route Permit process is governed by Minnesota Statutes^2f6E and Minnesota Rules Chapter7849.You can review these regulations at w^v^v.re^isor.leg.state.mn.us. The application for these lines, as well as other regulatory fihngs related to our proposal,wilibepostedat^vw.xcelenergy.com.youcan also add your name to the official state agency mailing lists to receive information. The mailing address and related information to do so is provided at die end of this letter. Please note that the Certificate ofneed process and the Routing process are separate In other words, decisions about the need for the upgrade will be determined during the Need process Decisions about the location ofthe transmission line will be made during the Routing process. Although the Company plans to upgrade the existing transmission hne along existing rightof-way,the Commission must ultimately determine if the existing right-ofway oranew bne location is in die pubhc interest. The Minnesota Public Utihties Commission will reference the Certificate of Need proceeding for our proposal as DocketNo.E002/CNll-,^^^^B^^ B ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^^^^^^L^^^^^^B^^T^^^^^^ T^^B^B^^^^^^l^^^^^l^^^ Please feel free to contact any ofthe individuals below for more information.

17 Certificate of Need Process Bret Eknes Minnesota Public Utilities Commission 121 V 11 ' Place East, Suite 350 St. Paul, ISret.eknesffistate.nm.us Routing & Environmental Review Deborah Pile Minnesota Division of Energy Resources 85 7,h Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul, Deborah, pilefg.state.mn.us Xcel Energy Contact Timothy G. Rogers 250 Marquette Plaza Minneapolis, Timothy.G.Rogcrs@xcclenergy.com Sincerely, Paul J Lehman Manager, Regulatory Administration Enclosures

18 Xcel Energy Transmission Line Upgrade Notice Xcel Energy Proposes to upgrade the Southwest Twin Cities (SWTC) Bluff Creek - Westgate 69 kv Transmission Line to 115 kv Capacity near the Cities of Chanhassen, Excelsior, Greenwood, Deephaven, Shorewood, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie located in Carver and Hennepin Counties Proposal Northern ("Xcel Energy") proposes to upgrade approximately 14 miles of the existing Bluff Creek to Westgate transmission line from 69 kilovolt ("kv") to 115 kv capacity along existing right-of-way; two existing substations would also be upgraded to 115 kv capacity. An alternative route for a segment of tbe line is also being presented for consideration. Approximately 4 miles of the existing line could be re-routed along Highway 7 and Vine Hill Road. This project is needed to ensure reliable and stable electric service and to allow future growth and development in the southwest Twin Cities. The 115 kv upgrades will require a Certificate of Need ("CON") from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission ("Commission"). The transmission line is located in portions of Carver and Hennepin counties. Following is a description of the proposed transmission upgrades: Converting approximately 14 miles of existing 69 kv transmission line to 115 kv capacity from the Bluff Creek Substation to the Excelsior Substation; from the Excelsior Substation to the Deephaven Substation and; from the Deephaven Substation to the Westgate Substation Upgrading the Excelsior and Deephaven Substations to 115 kv capacity Transmission Planning Minnesota utilities have posted biennial transmission plans at The 2009 plan includes a brief discussion of our proposal. Project information will also be posted at Xcel Energy's web site at Project Information We propose to upgrade approximately 14 miles of transmission line along existing right-of-way. Some of the existing poles would be removed and replaced with steel structures that are capable of supporting the larger transmission line. Typically, 115 kv transmission lines use wood or steel poles that are 60- to 80 feet tall and spaced about 300 to 400 feet apart within a right-of-way that is about 75 feet wide. In the event that new right-of-way is required for this project, we will work with landowners to purchase property rights, known as an easement, in order to construct any new segment of transmission line that may be needed. If easement terms cannot be reached, we can then submit the dispute to the eminent domain process. Public Process Before tbis line can be upgraded, the Commission must certify that it is needed by issuing a Certificate of Need and then determine where the transmission Une should be routed by issuing a Route Permit. Xcel Energy plans to submit a Certificate of Need application to the Commission in tbe next 30 days. As part of the Certificate of Need process, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources will prepare an environmental report. Minnesota Statutes 216B.243, and Minnesota Rules Chapters 4410, 7829, and 7849 govern requests for

19 Certificates of Need for high-voltage transmission lines. Minnesota Statutes 216E and Minnesota Rules Chapter 7849 governs requests for Route Permits. Both the Certificate of Need and Routing processes emphasize public participation. You can provide written comments to the Commission at several points in the process, and there will be public meetings and hearings in your area during the coming year. We encourage you to get involved in these important electric energy decisions. Xcel Energy Representative Paul j Lehman Manager, Regulator)' Administration 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis, Paul.LchmanfaiXcclenergy.com Below are regulatory agency contacts diat can help you learn more and add you to a mailing list to receive future information. Certificate of Need Routing & Environmental Review Bret Eknes Deborah Pile Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Minnesota Division of Energy Resources 121 7<i> Place E., Suite * Place E, Suite 500 St. Paul, St. Paul, bi-et.cknes@state.mn.us Deborah.pilefgstatc.mn.us We look forward to working with you.

20 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I, Mark Suel hereby certify that I have this day served copies of the foregoing document on the attached list of persons electronically, delivery by hand or by causing to be placed in the U.S. mail at Minneapolis, Minnesota. DOCKET NO. E002/CN-11-. Dated this 19 th day of April, 2011 /s/ Mark Suel

21 First Name Last Name Company Name Address Delivery Method View Trade Secret Service List Name Julia Anderson s James J. Bertrand om Office of the Attorney General-DOC 1400 BRM Tower 445 Minnesota SI St. Paul, Leonard Street & Deinard Suite South Fifth Street Minneapolis, Sleven Bosacker City of Minneapolis City Hall, Room 301M 350 South Fifth Street Minneapolis Christopher Clark ergy.com Xcel Energy 5th Floor 414 Nicollet Mall Minneapolis Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States El e c_gen_sl_northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northern States Elec_GEN_SL_Ncrthem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northern States Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northern States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Jeffrey A. Daugherty jeffreydaugherty@centerpointene rgy.com CenterPoint Energy Ron Elwood relw00d@mnlsap.0r9 Legal Services Advocacy Project Sharon Ferguson sharon.ferguson@state.mn -US 800 LaSalle Ave Minneapolis, University Ave Ste 101 St. Paul, Department of Commerce 85 7th Place E Ste 500 Saint Paul, Buri W. Haar buithaar@state.mn.us Public Utilities Commission Suite th Place East St. Paul Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Electronic Service No GEN_SL_Northern States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Electronic Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SLJMorthern dba Xcel Elec Xcel

22 First Name Last Name Company Name Address Delivery Method View Trade Secret. Service List Name Alan Jenkins Jenkins at Law 2265 Roswell Road Suite 100 Marietta, GA Douglas Larson m Dakota Electric Association th St W Robert S Lee RSL@MCMLAW.COM Mackall Crounse & Moore Law Offices Farmington, Pam Marshall pam@energycents.org Energy CENTS Coalition 823 7th St E 1400 AT&T Tower 901 Marquette Ave Minneapolis, St. Paul, Davit) W. Niles Avant Energy Services Suite South Sixth Stree Minneapolis, Richard Savelkoul rsavelkoul@felhaber.com Felhaber, Larson, Fenlon 6 Vogt, P.A. Byron E. Starns byron.starns@leonard.com Leonard Street and Deinard 444 Cedar St Ste 2100 St. Paul, South 5th Street Suite 2300 Minneapolis, Electronic Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Electronic Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northern States E!ec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northern States Energy. Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec_Xcel

23 First Name Last Name Company Name Address Delivery Method View Trade Secret Service List Name James M. Strommen SaGonna Thompson nergy.com Kennedy & Graven, Chartered 470 U.S. Bank Plaza 200 South Sixth Stree Minneapolis, Xcel Energy 414 Nicollet Mall FL 7 Minneapolis, Lisa Veith City of St. Paul 400 City Hall and Courthouse 15 West Kellogg Blvd St. Paul Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Electronic Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northern dba Xcel Elec_Xcel Paper Service No GEN_SL_Northem States Elec_GEN_SL_Northem dba Xcel Elec Xcel