The board's hearing about the project will begin tomorrow (Tuesday) in Elkader.
The SOO Green project needs approval from the Iowa Utilities Board. The underground transmission line would run along train tracks and highways in Iowa.
Don Tormey, the board's Communications Director, says briefings have already been filed with the board. "They may not give opening statements, which is their option to do so at the hearing. And direct testimony has already been pre-filed in the docket. So, they're mainly going to be cross-examined by the other parties or by the IUB as they desire to cross-examine. Not all of them may choose to do so, but it's their option to do that."
Participants at the meeting are likely to include SOO Green and its supporters, plus the Iowa Office of Consumer Advocate and those who object to the project.
"No property owners have signed up to participate in the hearing. There are six property owners whose parcels are proposed to impacted by eminent domain. And they have filed statements in the docket in lieu of participating in the hearing."
During SOO Green's public meeting three years ago, the company said its customers would be charged to access the underground line. But ratepayers in Iowa would not be charged at all.
Tormey says there is no timeline for the board to make a decision. It set aside two days for the hearing.
(7/10/23: Error corrected in second quote.)
