Public service, public impact
May 3–9 is Public Service Recognition Week. We want to take a moment to recognize the teamwork it takes to navigate Minnesota’s complex utility landscape. At the Public Utilities Commission, our work is grounded in public service and carried out by dedicated staff committed to helping ensure Minnesotans have safe, reliable, and affordable utility services.
That commitment is shared by other state agencies, whose analysis, expertise, and independent oversight help strengthen our dockets and decisions. From technical experts and analysts to administrative law judges and support staff, these public servants help balance diverse interests while protecting the public good. Together, we help ensure the regulatory process remains transparent, fair, and evidence-based.
We’re grateful for the many people across federal, state, county, and local government whose work keeps our systems strong and our communities well served.
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NEW! Rate case explainer video
The Commission has released a new educational video that walks through how proposed electric and natural gas rate changes are reviewed, how utility rates are ultimately set, and the ways Minnesotans can participate in the process. It’s a quick, plain-language overview of what can be a complex topic. Watch the video on our YouTube channel or on our rate case webpage to learn more.
Commission calendar and upcoming events
The information below is subject to change. Current information and more details are available on the PUC’s calendar.
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May 5
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1:30 PM
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Public hearing: Xcel Energy gas rate case (Roseville)
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May 5
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6:30 PM
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Public hearing: Xcel Energy gas rate case (Virtual)
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May 6
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6 PM
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Public hearing: Xcel Energy gas rate case (Rosemount)
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May 7
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
- Xcel Energy’s October 2023 Prairie Island outage - 2023 Annual Fuel Forecast and monthly fuel cost charges related to the replacement power costs (Docket 22-179)
- Xcel Energy’s 2025 Integrated Distribution Plan proactive upgrade proposal (Docket 25-142)
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May 15
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting (Note meeting is on Friday)
- Xcel Energy large general Time of Day (TOD) service and large peak controlled TOD service tariffs (Docket 25-289)
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May 18
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10 AM
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Planning Meeting: Wildfire Mitigation
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May 21
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
- Distributed Energy Resources customer complaint against Renville-Sibley Co-op Power (Docket 26-113)
- Xcel Energy’s Sherco South and West 600 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Final Site Permit (Docket 25-319)
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May 25
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Closed
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Holiday – offices closed
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May 27
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9:30 AM
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Planning Meeting: Clean Energy Economy MN (CEEM) 2026 Minnesota Energy Factsheet
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May 28
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
- Xcel Energy’s Draft route permit for a 115 kV transmission line from Northwest Maple Grove to the existing Elm Creek substation (Docket 24-427)
- Great River Energy and Big Bend Wind’s 161 kV High Voltage Transmission Line Final Route Permit (Docket 25-389)
- Biennial Transmission Projects report (Docket 25-99)
- Grid Enhancing Technologies report (Docket 25-99)
- Xcel Energy’s Integrated Distribution Plan mobile battery certification (Docket 25-142)
- Rulemaking to Amend MN Rules Ch 7849 & 7850 (Docket 26-172)
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Commission decisions
April 2
- The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s Phase 2 of their Capacity*Connect project, a program designed to deploy a network of community-based battery energy storage systems. This initiative will create a first-of-its-kind, utility-owned virtual power plant (VPP) to enhance grid reliability, support clean energy goals, and provide direct economic benefits to local communities. (Docket 25-378) Press release.
- The Commission is considering whether to amend the definition of “capacity” as set forth in Minn. R. 7835.0100, subp. 4. This rulemaking is in a comment period. Initial comments are due May 26, and reply comments are due June 9. The notice of comment period includes possible rule language that would clarify how capacity is measured, how net input is calculated, and whether additional technical terms should be defined. (Docket 25-86)
April 9
- The Commission found the Gopher to Badger Link 765 kV transmission line project certificate of need application to be complete and stayed further proceedings until the route permit application for the project is filed. The Commission also required the applicants to file additional information regarding structure types and best agricultural practices for these structures. (Docket 25-121)
- The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP) with modifications. Specifically, the Commission approved the Charging Perks program that allows Xcel to actively manage residential EV charging for customers in exchange for credit. The program will also allow Xcel to defer upgrades to grid-contained areas by charging EVs during off-peak times. The Commission denied Xcel’s request to raise EV Accelerate at Home rates, directing them to file new rates based on the cost to serve EV customers who charge off peak. The Commission also discussed ways to support low-income and multi-dwelling unit residents, level 1 charging, and actively managed commercial charging, directing the Company to investigate options for these areas of concern during their next TEP. (Docket 25-142)
- The Commission rescinded Minnesota Power's Capacity Dedication Agreement for the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC), a proposed gas plant located in Superior Wisconsin. The Commission also required Minnesota Power to make a compliance filing by June 18, 2026, containing a detailed update on the remaining NTEC-related agreements and negotiations with the facility owners, now that Minnesota Power will not receive power from the plant. (Docket 17-568)
- The Commission approved Otter Tail Power Company's petition to build two distributed solar energy projects, a 3.85 MW project in Fergus Falls and a 4.2 MW project in Parkers Prairie. These projects will help Otter Tail meet the state’s Distributed Solar Energy Standard (DSES), which requires the company to procure at least 1% of its energy sold to retail customers from distributed solar energy systems. (Docket 25-338)
- The Commission determined that the Sherco West Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project costs are eligible for recovery through the Renewable Energy Standard (RES) Rider. The Commission also approved Xcel’s 2026 RES Rider revenue requirements, excluding the $3.2 million in costs that exceeded the cap for the Sherco Solar 1 and 2 projects. (Docket 25-400)
- The Commission declined to reconsider its decision approving a site permit amendment for the Big Bend Wind project. (Docket 19-619)
- The Commission found the Maple River to Cuyuna 345 kV transmission line project certificate of need application complete and stayed further proceedings until the route permit application for the project is filed. (Docket 25-109)
April 16
- The Commission accepted the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency 2025–2039 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The Commission also required MMPA to incorporate additional energy and demand projection sensitivities, continue reporting on efforts to improve its energy conservation program, and evaluate whether battery resources are expected to result in net greenhouse gas emissions and, if so, apply environmental costs in its analysis of those resources. The Commission set an August 1, 2029, deadline for MMPA to file a progress report and an August 1, 2031, deadline for MMPA to file its next IRP. (Docket 25-302)
- The Commission issued a site permit for Xcel Energy’s up to 135.5 MW Blue Lake BESS project in Scott County. (Docket 25-214)
- The Commission issued a site permit for the Bent Tree North wind farm project. (Docket 24-349)
- The Commission requested that PUC’s Energy Infrastructure Permitting staff prepare an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) for the Alberta Clipper Pipeline Project and Southern Lights Diluent Project. The Commission stayed any decision on recertification of the pipeline until completion of the EAW. (Docket 07-465)
April 23
- The Commission updated its March 19, 2010, Order Clarifying Criteria and Standards for Determining Compliance under Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691 (Docket 03-869), including provisions related to modifications or delays (“off-ramps”) of the Renewable Energy Objective (REO) Standards. The Commission retained most of the existing directives from that order, making primarily technical and language updates to reflect the Carbon-Free Standard and Solar Energy Standard. It also clarified that, outside of a resource plan proceeding, only utilities may request off-ramps. In addition, the Commission directed the Executive Secretary to begin reviewing the January 6, 2015, Order Establishing a Uniform Reporting System for Estimating Rate Impact under Minn. Stat. § 216B.1691 (Docket 11-852) to ensure it fully addresses all REO Standards. Finally, the Commission amended its August 7, 2025, Order (Docket 23-151) to allow an extended credit duration (“shelf life”) for repowered projects that received federal tax credits.
- The Commission granted Dakota Electric Association’s request to implement remote disconnections with required customer contact, medical protections, and extreme‑weather safeguards. The Commission also approved Dakota Electric’s proposed deposit structure. (Docket 25-442)
- The Commission accepted the gas utilities’ annual service quality r The Commission focused on customer affordability and encouraged parties to find ways to decrease arrears and fees charged to low-income customers. (Dockets 25-31, -32, -33, -34, -35)
- The Commission approved CenterPoint’s request to increase the budget for its downtown Mankato hydrogen blending pilot by $1.4 million. Since the Commission approved CenterPoint’s proposal to use unspent funds from another pilot in its Natural Gas Innovation Plan to cover the increase, this decision should not affect customer rates. (Docket 23-215)
April 30
- To support growing participation in CenterPoint Energy's Gas Affordability Program (GAP) due to the automatic enrollment of energy assistance recipients, the Commission approved modifications to the Company's GAP budget and surcharge. The average residential customer using 74 therms per month will be paying an extra $0.18 to $0.24 monthly or between $2.16 and $2.92 annually. The decision also requires CenterPoint Energy to notify its customers of the GAP surcharge increase. (Docket 25-38)
- The Commission approved a site, transmission line, and pipeline permit for an energy generation plant in Lyon County, Minnesota, proposed by Xcel Energy. The project will include two 210 MW combustion turbines, two 345 kV transmission lines, and a natural gas pipeline. The Commission approved the project as part of Xcel’s most recent resource plan as has stated that the project is needed to ensure system stability and resource adequacy. (Dockets 25-145, -154, -161, -163)
- The Commission approved a route permit for the Big Stone South to Alexandria 345 kV Transmission Line Project, completing Minnesota’s final contribution to the first tranche of long‑range transmission upgrades identified by MISO. MISO’s 2021 Transmission Expansion Plan identified the broader Big Stone South–Alexandria–Big Oaks 345‑kV system as essential for strengthening regional reliability, relieving transmission congestion, and enabling new renewable generation across the Upper Midwest. The approximately 92‑mile project will extend from the Minnesota–South Dakota border near Big Stone City to the Alexandria Substation in west‑central Minnesota. The permit includes several conditions to protect natural resources, farmland, endangered species, water, and cultural sites. (Docket 23-160)
Recaps of Commission public meetings and hearings
Project and workgroup meetings
PowerOn Midwest Transmission Line Project: On April 21–30, the PUC held public information and environmental report scoping meetings on Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, and Xcel Energy’s certificate of need application for the proposed PowerOn Midwest Project. The project includes approximately 271 miles of new single‑circuit 765 kV transmission lines running from the South Dakota border to the Lakefield Junction Substation in Jackson County, then south to the Iowa border, and east through the Pleasant Valley Substation in Mower County to the North Rochester Substation in Goodhue County. It also includes approximately 31 miles of double-circuit 345 kV from Pleasant Valley to North Rochester and 38 miles of additional 345 kV single-circuit between North Rochester and the Hampton Substation in Dakota County, along with expansions and upgrades at four substations. Public comment is open through May 20.
Iron Range – St. Louis County – Arrowhead Transmission Project: On April 6–9, the PUC held public information and scoping meetings on Minnesota Power and American Transmission Company’s certificate of need and route permit application for approximately 67.5 miles of new 345 kV transmission line. The project would run from Minnesota Power’s Iron Range Substation in Itasca County near Grand Rapids to its St. Louis County Substation near Hermantown, with a connection to American Transmission Company’s Arrowhead Substation in St. Louis County.
Summit Lake Solar and Energy Storage System: On April 7–8, the PUC held public hearings on the site permit application for Summit Lake’s proposed facility, which includes up to 200 MW of solar generation and up to 200 MW of battery energy storage in Elk and Summit Lake townships in Nobles County.
Big Bend Wind Transmission Project: On April 7–8, the PUC held public hearings on the draft route permit for Big Bend Wind and Great River Energy’s proposed 161 kV transmission line and associated facilities in Martin County. The 4.5 mile single-circuit line would connect the Big Bend Wind Project to Great River Energy’s Lakefield Generating Substation. Big Bend Wind has secured easements for 100% of the transmission line right-of-way.
Northwest Maple Grove Transmission Project: On April 14–15, the PUC held public information meetings on Xcel Energy’s route permit application for an approximately 2-mile 115 kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the new West Maple Grove Substation to a proposed tap point on an existing 115 kV line. The project includes 30–35 new 115 kV monopole structures. The new substation will be built to accommodate future expansion.
MISO Quarterly Update Meeting: On April 17 representatives from Minnesota utilities and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator, met with the Public Utilities Commission to discuss issues affecting the regional power grid. They discussed winter storm Fern in late January, the cost to ratepayers of generator retirements blocked by the U.S. Department of Energy, and the challenges of forecasting generation to meet load under new regional planning rules. A recording of the meeting is on our website.
Notable new dockets or filings
This is not a comprehensive summary of filings.
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Docket
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Filing or Docket Summary
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23-342
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Xcel Wind Development Transfer RFP: Xcel filed a petition for approval of 1,269 MW in two wind projects that will connect to MNEC: Little Rock (300 MW near Worthington) and Box Car (969 MW near Balaton). These projects are part of a broader clean energy portfolio for Google and Google’s participation and Clean Energy Accelerator Charge.
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26-145
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Great River Energy filed the 2026-2040 Integrated Resource Plan with a preferred plan that adds 561.5 MW BESS (141.5 MW in long duration); 1,355 MW wind; and 390 MW of natural gas by 2032 and eliminates 200 MW hydro, 199 MW wind, and 350 MW coal (Rainbow Center in 2031).
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26-170
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Xcel filed a petition for a 15-year ESA for Google's Pine Island data center; including service on the pending Large General TOD Service Tariff (Docket No. 25-289), monthly Clean Energy Accelerator Charge, minimum monthly bill, incremental cost analysis, consumer protections, transmission systems impact study, facilities construction costs, and clean energy additions The Company claims the financial analysis estimates $1.1 billion in net benefits to other customers. Xcel and Google are requesting decision by 4Q 2026 "to support construction of the facilities in a timely manner." The total demand is provided as trade secret. The project will not have specific generation assets assigned or dispatched solely to the facility. Initial service will require 1 of 2 345kV lines to connect to North Rochester Substation. Department of Commerce requests $250,000 for technical assistance on grid interconnection of the Google data centers (26-170-Pine Island; 26-159 – Hermantown).
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25-369
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Upper Sioux Request to Reassign Service Area: CAH issued an order recommending the contested case hearing be dismissed noting “All parties agree that given the Community’s desire to not pursue a change of service territory – the question everyone prepared to address at hearing – there is no reason to proceed with the hearing…. The Judge declines to use the certification rule to permit the Community to raise an entirely new case before the Commission…. The Commission should dismiss the contested case. This case was about changing service territories. The Community no longer wants that; it wants a ruling on whether the electric service it receives from Minnesota electric utilities is subject to state regulation at all. Using the current process, including the rule for certification, is not the appropriate vehicle to obtain an answer to that question. Dismissal of the pending matter is appropriate.” The Commission has issued a notice asking for party comments on the recommended dismissal.
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26-162
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Xcel General Service Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate: Xcel filed a petition proposing a new General Service TOU rate as required by a PUC order. The proposed rate is a three‑part structure (customer, energy, and demand charges) with three time periods. Xcel states the design is new in MN and nationally as a permanent TOU structure. The rate would be mandatory for customers with demand above 1 MW and optional for customers with demand between 25 kW and 1 MW. Xcel seeks approval of the rate design and tariffs, a customer transition plan, and closure of the existing General TOD service rate. Proposed time periods are: on‑peak from 2–10 p.m. M-F (excluding holidays), off‑peak from midnight to 8 a.m., and mid‑peak during remaining hours. Xcel estimates $1.5 million in billing system upgrade costs and $500,000 for customer marketing and education.
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26-175
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Great Plains Natural Gas filed a petition to recover ~$2.3 million between Oct 2026-Sept 2027 in the GUIC resulting in a rate increase for all customer classes except small interruptible transportation. GPNG states the GUIC tariff allows for continued cost recovery to comply with federal regulations (Distribution Integrity Management Program, DIMP) and the authorized 2025 PVC pipe mains and services replacement projects, noting no O&M expenses are associated with the projects.
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24-63
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Department recommends approval of ~$131.8 million refund with modifications to: 1) further explain $39.8m average transmission system losses are reflected in the forecast, 2) further explain if $1.5m warranty recovery has flowed back to customers for the King Unit 1 outage; 3) further explain if Prairie Island Unit 1 & 2 refueling outage credits were reflected in base rates (Docket No. 24-320), and 4) PUC reserve determination on prudency for Riverside outage/replacement power costs and refer to contested cases.
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24-64
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Department recommends approval of ~$3.47 million true up in Minnesota Power’s fuel clause adjustment to be collected beginning Sept 1, 2026.
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Get involved in the PUC process
The Commission encourages Minnesotans to get involved in our processes, stay informed on utility-related issues, and provide input on topics of interest. Visit our website to see what is currently open for public comment. Also, check out the series of short videos that explains who we are, how we work and how to get involved.
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