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For Immediate Release:
January 24, 2025
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Contact: Cori Rude-Young, 651-201-2241
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Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves Northland Reliability Project
St. Paul, Minn. – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the Northland Reliability Project, a 180-mile high-voltage transmission line jointly proposed by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power to enhance the reliability and capacity of Minnesota’s electric transmission infrastructure.
The Northland Reliability Project involves the construction of a 140-mile, double-circuit 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that will connect Minnesota Power’s existing Iron Range Substation near Grand Rapids to the existing Benton County Substation near St. Cloud. The approved route will follow existing high-voltage transmission lines for more than 85% of its length, minimizing environmental and community impacts.
In addition to the new 140-mile transmission line, the project includes the replacement of an existing 20-mile 230 kV transmission line with a double-circuit 345 kV line connecting the Benton County Substation to Xcel Energy’s proposed new Big Oaks Substation. The plan also includes the use of double-circuit 345 kV structures to replace an approximately 20-mile 345 kV line along the existing right-of-way between the Benton County Substation and the Sherco Substation in Sherburne County.
"The Commission's approval of the Northland Reliability Project reflects our commitment to strengthening Minnesota's electric grid while keeping costs in check for consumers,” said PUC Commissioner Joseph Sullivan. “By incorporating cost containment measures, we are delivering critical infrastructure upgrades while prioritizing affordability."
Beyond its energy benefits, the project is expected to generate significant economic development through jobs and a boost to local businesses. The project is expected to be operational by June 2030.
More information about the Northland Reliability Project is available here.
About
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.
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