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Website updates: Making information easier to find We've made a few updates to the PUC website to help users more easily find the information they're looking for. Dockets Open for Comment: This page has been redesigned with a more user-friendly layout, making it easier to identify cases currently accepting public comments and learn how to participate. Very Large Customers and Data Centers: We also launched new webpages that explain the Commission’s role in reviewing large electric load requests, including data centers, and provide background on the process and related resources. These updates are part of our ongoing effort to improve transparency and make Commission information more accessible for the public and stakeholders.

The PUC is hiring!

Looking for a rewarding career that makes a difference? The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is hiring! Join our team and help shape the future of energy and utility regulation in Minnesota.

• Energy Modeling Analyst
• Consumer Telecom Investigator
• Rates Analyst

Explore open positions on our website and apply today!

Commission calendar and upcoming events

The information below is subject to change. Current information and more details are available on the PUC’s calendar.

Commission decisions  

June 4

• The Commission approved Minnesota Power’s 2026 Transmission Cost Recovery Rider and required Minnesota Power to report net credits received from MISO for other utilities use of the Duluth Loop and high voltage direct current modernization projects once in service. (Docket 25-433)

• The Commission considered a motion from the Large Power Intervenors seeking to compel Minnesota Power to provide certain discovery responses in the company’s integrated resource plan, including a forecast of total rates by class. The Commission denied the motion but directed Minnesota Power to provide Large Power Intervenors the information needed to produce their own rate projections. (Docket 25-127)

• The Commission approved Xcel Energy's acquisition and construction of its MISO Expedited Resource Addition Study (ERAS) 2 portfolio, consisting of the 300 MW Nobles Battery Energy Storage System and 300 MW Sherco South Battery Energy Storage System. (Docket 24-67)

• The Commission issued a draft route permit that included several special conditions for the proposed Iron Range – St. Louis County – Arrowhead 345 kV Transmission Project. The special conditions reflect input received so far during the first public comment process. The Commission is also now accepting public comment on the certificate of need for this project. (Dockets 25-111, -112) Press release.

• The Commission approved new rules governing how regulated gas utilities extend natural gas service to new customers – balancing the push toward cleaner, more efficient homes with continued commitments to reliable and affordable service. (Docket 21-565) Press release.

June 11 and 18

• The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s proposal to increase electric rates, after reducing their request by nearly 60%. The Commission approved a rate increase of approximately $82.9 million, or 2.3% for 2025 and an additional $127.3 million, or 3.4% for 2026. Xcel Energy initially proposed an increase of $353 million, or 9.6%, for 2025 and an additional $137.5 million, or 3.6%, for 2026. (Docket 24-320) Press release.

June 25

• The Commission approved Minnesota Power's request to withdraw its Very Large Customer Class Petition, with the condition that the company file a new very-large-customer tariff by July 15, 2026. Minnesota Power’s proposed electric service to Google will be subject to the rates, terms, and conditions established in the Very Large Power Tariff or other service schedule that supersedes or replaces it if the Google facility meets the definition of a Very Large Power customer. (Docket 26-126)

• The Commission terminated Minnesota Power's Remote Reconnect Pilot and turned it into a standard offering. In 2020, the Commission approved a pilot for the Company to target 10% of its residential customers and use its new smart meters to perform reconnections remotely within minutes. As smart meters have become widely deployed, the pilot was no longer needed. Additionally, the Commission required Minnesota Power perform follow-up reporting about remote reconnections for low-income customers in its annual Safety, Reliability, and Service Quality reports and testimony about the cost of remote reconnections versus on-site reconnections and justification for its $0 reconnection fee in its next general rate case. (Docket 19-766)

• The Commission accepted the grid data sharing framework report with modifications to the optional mitigation measures and background check screenings. The Commission also requested the utilities file a cost recovery proposal that employs a cost causer model. (Docket 20-800)

Recaps of Commission public meetings and hearings 

Public meetings and hearings

Coneflower Energy Transmission Line Project: On June 1-2, the PUC held a public information meeting on Coneflower Energy’s application to construct a less than 1-mile 345 kV high voltage transmission line. The proposed project is located one mile north of Garvin and 13 miles south of Marshall in Lyon County. The proposed project would connect Coneflower’s recently permitted solar energy generating system (24-215) to the recently permitted Garvin Substation which is owned by Xcel Energy. Coneflower has entered into easement agreements for the privately owned land needed for the proposed project. 

Otter Tail Power electric rate case: On June 2-4, an Administrative Law Judge held in-person and virtual public hearings and took public comment on Otter Tail Power's authority to increase rates for electric service in Minnesota. Written comments accepted through September 21.

Bison to Alexandria Transmission Line Project: On June 3-4, the PUC held a public information and environmental scoping meeting on the certificate of need and route permit amendment for the proposed Bison to Alexandria Second Circuit 345 kV Transmission Line Project. The applicants include Xcel Energy, Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company and the Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency. The proposed project will add approximately 100 miles of a second 345 kV transmission circuit on mostly existing double-circuit capable transmission structures between the existing Alexandria Substation in Douglas County and the Minnesota/North Dakota border in Holy Cross Township, Clay County.

Lemon Hill Solar Project: On June 10-11, an Administrative Law Judge held in-person and virtual public hearings and took public comment on Lemon Hill Solar’s environmental assessment.

North Rochester to Skyway High Voltage Transmission Line Project: On June 15-16, the PUC held a public information and environmental scoping meeting on the route permit for Xcel Energy’s proposed North Rochester to Skyway 345 kV Transmission Line Project. The proposed project is to construct an approximately 1.2-mile long double-circuit 345 kV transmission line that would connect Xcel Energy’s North Rochester Substation to four new substation facilities at the proposed Pine Island Industrial Planned Unit Development site.

Mayhew Lake Energy Storage: On June 30, the PUC held a public information and scoping meetings on the site permit application of Mayhew Lake Energy Storage for the 100 MW Battery Energy Storage System in Benton County. The applicant proposes to construct and operate a Battery Energy Storage System on a site consisting of approximately 36 acres adjacent to the Northern States Power Mayhew Lake Substation in Sauk Rapids Township. Public comment is open through July 13.

Planning meetings

216I Implementation Discussion: On June 23, the Commission held a planning meeting to get feedback from practitioners regarding the implementation of the new permit reform legislation (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 216I). Desiree Morningstar, the Commission’s Manager of Energy Infrastructure Permitting, gave an overview presentation, which was followed by a reaction panel of Christy Brusven, Shareholder and Chair of the Energy Practice Groups, Fredrikson & Byron P.A.; Ellen Heine, Principal Siting and Permitting Agent, Xcel Energy; Beth Soholt, Executive Director, Clean Grid Alliance; Nathan Runke, Regulatory and Political Affairs Coordinator, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49; and Kevin Pranis, Marketing Manager, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota. Meeting materials and a recording are available on our website.

Notable new dockets or filings

This is not a comprehensive summary of filings.

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
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