St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) approved Xcel Energy’s Minnesota Energy Connection Project (MNEC Project). The project includes the construction of a new approximately 174-mile 345-kilovolt double-circuit high-voltage transmission line and related infrastructure across several Minnesota counties: Sherburne, Stearns, Meeker, Kandiyohi, Renville, Redwood, and Lyon. As part of its decision, the Commission also approved cost caps to help ensure ratepayer protections as the project moves forward.
The MNEC Project stems from Xcel Energy’s Commission-approved 2020–2034 Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan, which outlines the company’s long-term strategy for reliable and sustainable energy delivery. Central to the project is the reuse of approximately 2,000 megawatts of valuable transmission interconnection rights at the Sherco Substation in Sherburne County—capacity that will be redirected to support new electric generation sources.
The Commission’s decision follows an extensive public review and engagement process. Input was gathered from a wide array of stakeholders, including landowners, environmental advocates, labor organizations, tribal representatives, and local governments.
“Public input is fundamental to our process,” said Commissioner John Tuma. “The diverse perspectives shared throughout the review helped shape the outcome and ensure that the project aligns with the state’s environmental and community priorities.”
In addition to building new transmission infrastructure, the project will involve modifications to existing substations to ensure seamless integration and future reliability.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota's economy: electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate, and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional, and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more at mn.gov/puc.
