BISMARCK, N.D. (PPR) – The Public Service Commission is holding hearings on a controversial high-voltage power line.

MDU and Otter Tail have proposed this 92 mile line, called JETx, from Jamestown to Ellendale. But these will be conducted in a different manner than previous hearings.

PSC Chairman Randy Christmann says this time, the technical hearings are to be held at the state Capitol Thursday and Friday, January 9th. He says next week, three formal public hearings will be held in the counties where the line will be built on Monday, Janury 12th, Wednesday, January 14th, and Friday, January 16th.

Christmann says public comment will not be taken during this week’s hearings. The two companies have said the line is needed to enhance reliability. The project cost is estimated at $406 million.