The joint comments emphasize the critical importance of these projects for regional electric reliability and economic growth and urge FERC to allow Tranche 2.1 to move forward as planned.  

“These projects are essential to protecting reliability and ensuring affordable power for Minnesotans,” said Joseph Sullivan, PUC Commissioner and President of the Board of Directors for the Organization of MISO States. “This complaint threatens to undo years of careful planning and jeopardize the grid our communities, businesses, and industries depend on. I am very concerned about the consequences should this complaint succeed at FERC as it will drive delays for thousands of megawatts of needed generation of all types, including natural gas, wind, storage, and solar, in Minnesota and across the MISO Midwest.” 

The complaint, filed by the Public Service Commissions of North Dakota, Montana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana, challenges the designation of Tranche 2.1 as Multi-Value Projects (MVPs). MISO’s Board of Directors approved the portfolio of projects, which will be built in MISO Midwest. Tranche 2.1 includes $4.3 billion in new transmission lines in Minnesota, approved in December 2024 after an extensive, multi-year stakeholder process. These projects are designed to ensure the grid can meet increasing electricity demand and support reliability across MISO Midwest. The lines will not be in MISO South, and no MISO South retail ratepayers will contribute to their construction.  

On September 4, the Commission heard directly from utilities, MISO representatives, and other stakeholders, all of whom highlighted the importance of Tranche 2.1 and warned of the ramifications if these projects are delayed or blocked. 

Serious consequences if the complaint succeeds 

If FERC sides with the complaint, the impacts would be severe: 

• Massive delays and higher costs. The complaint could stall all generator interconnection studies in MISO Midwest, impacting more than 100 GW of new generation dependent on Tranche 2.1. This would add months and likely years to development timelines and drive up costs. 

• Reduced reliability. Canceling or delaying Tranche 2.1 would limit regional transmission capacity, undermining the grid’s ability to meet demand and remain stable. 

“Minnesotans count on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy,” said Sullivan. “These lines aren’t just wires – they power growth, drive economic development, and modernize the system. If you pull these projects out, it is going to cost more, and we will all have to wait longer for power.” 

Additional information 

• Click here for joint comments of the Minnesota PUC and Department of Commerce (Minnesota Utility Regulatory Agencies). 

• Click here for the multi-state joint comments of the Minnesota PUC with the Illinois Commerce Commission, Michigan Public Service Commission, and the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (the Joint States). 

• Click here to view the September 4 recording of the Commission’s discussion. (Item begins around the 3-hour 20-minute mark).