Upper Midwest Transmission Workshop

May 1-2, 2001
Embassy Suites Hotel
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Workshop Purpose

• Present and discuss key studies and assessments of transmission upgrades, additions and related issues for the upper Midwest, including work that addresses the full range of views on these topics;
• Understand the various transmission issues in the upper Midwest and discuss options for addressing the issues;
• Identify the decision makers and entities that need to play an active role if transmission issues are to be resolved, and agree on next steps for engaging these individuals and organizations through education, outreach, and information dissemination.

The product of the meeting will be a written summary of the meeting that will present a snapshot of the transmission needs and issues in the region, along with possible options for addressing the issues and areas of agreement among different interests.

The workshop is motivated by an interest in aiding the flow of wind-generated electricity in the upper Midwest to the marketplace, but it deals with issues and players that go far beyond the wind community. Any progress facilitated by the workshop and follow-up activity will be beneficial not only to wind but also to many other stakeholders in the energy future of the region. A follow-up workshop in the Fall of 2001 is envisioned.

Workshop Format

Prior to the meeting we will be mailing out an advance packet which will include a write-up of each of the studies to be presented, as well as a set of questions each of the speakers is asked to address. These documents will also be available on the NWCC web site: www.nationalwind.org.

The workshop begins with presentations on the context for transmission and wind power in the Midwest. This is followed by three technical sessions presenting a series of transmission and additional energy transport studies for the Midwest. Each technical session includes a round table discussion on key issues, opportunities and challenges for addressing the transmission situation in the region.

Day Two of the workshop begins with a panel discussion from diverse interests on key issues, perspectives, and proposals for consideration on transmission studies and regional needs. The workshop will conclude with two extended dialogue sessions on 1) reflection and discussion of options to address transmission issues and 2) possible next steps to collaborate to resolve transmission issues in the region.

• Meeting Summary

• Presentations

• Participants List

• Agenda