Land and property owners expressed significant concerns regarding the JETx project during a public hearing on January 16, 2026, hosted by the North Dakota Public Service Commission (PSC) in Jamestown. Approximately 100 attendees raised issues relating to potential environmental and health impacts, possible reductions in property values, and the adequacy of the developers’ public input process. A key point of contention was House Bill 1258, which allows the PSC to override local zoning ordinances in favor of state-approved electric transmission projects.
The public hearing was the final of three sessions held at the Baymont by Wyndham Jamestown Conference Center & Water Park. Previous hearings took place in Edgeley and Ellendale, providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns about the proposed transmission line project. The PSC is tasked with evaluating the project based on several criteria, including environmental impact, resource efficiency, and the reliability of the power system.
The JETx project, requested by the Midcontinent Independent System Operators (MISO), aims to enhance regional power grid reliability across a 15-state area and parts of Manitoba. With an estimated cost of $406 million, it involves constructing approximately 92 miles of a new double circuit 345 kilovolt transmission line connecting the existing substation of Otter Tail Power Co. north of Jamestown to Montana-Dakota Utility’s substation near Ellendale.
Jason Weiers, manager of transmission policy and contracts for Otter Tail Power, articulated the project’s goals, emphasizing that it would create a robust transmission loop to improve energy delivery throughout North Dakota and the Midwest. Initially, the line will be constructed with one circuit, with four areas along the route designated for double-circuit construction to minimize impacts.
Support for the JETx project was voiced by Minnkota Power Cooperative, whose senior vice president, Dan Inman, highlighted the benefits for both local and broader regional consumers. He cited previous weather-related outages that underscored the need for improved reliability in the power grid.
In November 2024, the PSC granted Otter Tail Power and Montana-Dakota Utility certificates of public convenience and necessity for the JETx project. However, following public objections from landowners, the PSC denied a request in June 2025 to reconsider their approval, with some residents arguing that the project was unlawfully sanctioned.
Weiers noted that the 345-kilovolt capacity would address existing reliability concerns on the constrained 230 kV system in eastern North Dakota and parts of South Dakota and Minnesota. He referenced an ice storm in December 2023, which caused significant disruptions when both existing 345 kV lines were out of service, underscoring the necessity for the JETx project to enhance grid reliability.
The project also includes expansions to substations in Jamestown and Ellendale, with construction expected to commence in the third quarter of 2026. Project developers plan to secure all necessary land rights and easements before construction begins, aiming to complete the project and energize the line by the fourth quarter of 2028.
Concerns were raised regarding the implications of House Bill 1258, which allows the PSC to bypass local zoning rules that conflict with state approvals for electric transmission projects. Local ordinances enforced by the Stutsman County Commission mandate a setback of 1,000 feet from occupied dwellings for high-voltage transmission lines, a standard that some residents feel is being undermined by state legislation.
Testimonies during the hearing highlighted the frustrations of community members who felt excluded from discussions about the project. Levi Taylor, a member of the Stutsman County Commission, expressed confusion over the lack of a conditional use permit request from project applicants, given recent changes in zoning ordinances aimed at protecting local residents.
Alana Wagner, representing her parents from rural Edgeley, accused the project of infringing on private property rights without demonstrating clear benefits. Similarly, Leon Westerhausen emphasized the need for local zoning ordinances to be respected, while Steve Schwarzrock raised concerns about the proximity of the proposed route to his home, noting a lack of communication from project developers.
Despite the criticisms, Weiers assured the audience that a public outreach program had been established to foster communication with affected landowners and stakeholders. He mentioned that the project team had engaged with local communities through letters and meetings to outline project details and gather feedback.
The PSC will review the testimonies and information presented during the hearings in upcoming sessions, leading to a formal decision on the JETx project. The ongoing discussions reflect the delicate balance between advancing regional energy infrastructure and addressing the concerns of local communities.
