Commissioner Sullivan receives Transmission Champion award
In February, Americans for a Clean Energy Grid (ACEG) named Commissioner Joseph Sullivan a 2026 Transmission Champion, recognizing his national leadership in strengthening and modernizing high-capacity transmission infrastructure.
“Expanding and modernizing our nation's transmission backbone is the key to unlocking affordable, reliable energy. I am honored to receive the Transmission Champion award and remain focused on advancing the planning solutions that will power our future,” said Commissioner Sullivan. Read more here.
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St. Cloud demonstrates local infrastructure as a renewable energy model
Commissioners Tuma and Ham along with Commission staff toured St. Cloud’s wastewater treatment facility, a site that is not just treating wastewater as a byproduct but is transforming into a renewable energy hub. This transition began with intensive energy efficiency upgrades to its core processes, now supported by over 500 kW of on-site solar and additional community solar subscriptions.
The facility’s approach to waste-to-energy includes two on-site generators that convert wastewater byproducts and food waste from local businesses into biogas. This process generates electricity while capturing waste heat to power the plant's anaerobic digesters and heat its buildings. This visit highlighted St. Cloud's commitment to proving that local infrastructure can be both self-sustaining and a driver for regional innovation.
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We are hiring!
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is hiring a Planning Unit Supervisor (applications due March 11). This leadership role directs the Commission’s newly formed Energy Planning Unit, guiding a multidisciplinary team to ensure Commissioners and leadership have the timely, high-quality analysis needed to make informed regulatory decisions on electric and gas resource plans, state policy implementation, resource adequacy and more. Visit our website for more information.
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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Mar. 3
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5 PM
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Public hearing: Midwater 150 MW Battery Energy Storage Project and associated 161‑kV transmission line in Freeborn County (Glenville)
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Mar. 4
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6 PM
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Public hearing: Midwater 150 MW Battery Energy Storage Project and associated 161‑kV transmission line in Freeborn County (Virtual)
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Mar. 5
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
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Minnesota Power’s 2025 Transmission Cost Recovery Rider (Docket 25-382)
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Xcel Energy’s request for provisional approval of 2026 Transmission Cost Recovery rate (Docket 25‑386)
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North Star Energy Storage 80 MW Battery Energy Storage System final site permit in Chisago County (Docket 25123)
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Xcel Energy’s 800 MW Firm, Dispatchable RFP - Panamint–Cottage Grove Battery Energy Storage System (Dockets 2467, 23212)
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Xcel Energy’s 2025 annual Administrative Service Agreement (Docket 25‑245)
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Mar. 12
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
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Xcel Energy’s 2021 rate case - executive compensation (Docket 21-630)
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Big Bend Wind and Great River Energy draft route permit and EA adequacy for a 161kV high voltage transmission line in Martin County (Docket 25389)
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Investigation into the impact of severe weather in February 2021 on Minnesota natural gas utilities and customers (Dockets 21-135, -138, -235,-610, -611)
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Commission review of utility performance incentives for Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) for all electric and gas utilities (Docket 08‑133)
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Mar. 18
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6 PM
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Public hearing: Sherco South and West up to 600 MW Battery Energy Storage Project 216I Site Permit in Sherburne County (Becker)
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Mar. 19
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
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Crane Energy Storage final site permit for the up to 200 MW Crane Energy Storage Project and Sandhill Energy Storage final site permit for the up to 200 MW Sandhill Energy Storage Project in Olmsted County (Dockets 24-406, -407)
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Great River Energy and Lake Region Electric Cooperative final route permit for the Otto Tap 115kV Transmission Line Project in Otter Tail County (Docket 25269)
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Xcel Energy’s Renewable Development Fund annual report, tracker account, and rider factor update (Docket 25‑370)
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Mar. 19
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6 PM
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Public hearing: Sherco South and West up to 600 MW Battery Energy Storage Project 216I Site Permit in Sherburne County (Virtual)
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Mar. 26
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10 AM
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Agenda Meeting
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Xcel Energy’s Capacity*Connect Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) Program (Docket 25‑378)
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Xcel Energy’s generator projects for MISO ERAS (Docket 24‑67)
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Certificate of Need for the PowerOn Midwest 765kV and 345kV High Voltage Transmission Line Project (Docket 25117)
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Commission decisions
February 5
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CenterPoint Energy requested the Commission provide guidance as to how CenterPoint should structure its Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) rebates for Air Source Heat Pumps in instances where CenterPoint shares customers with Xcel Energy. The Commission denied CenterPoint Energy's request for clarification. (Docket 25-43)
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The Commission approved changes in contract demand entitlements for 2025-2026 for Xcel Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation, Greater Minnesota Gas, Inc., Great Plains Natural Gas Co. and CenterPoint Energy. (Docket 25-67, -68, -69, -70, -71, -72)
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The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s Mankato–Mississippi River 345 kV Transmission Line Project - a key part of Midcontinent Independent System Operator's Long Range Transmission Projects designed to strengthen grid reliability and support a more resilient, cost-effective energy delivery system. The 130-mile project will relieve congestion on the regional transmission system, enable more renewable energy to reach customers. (Docket 22-532, 23-157) Press release.
February 12
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The Commission denied Greater Minnesota Gas’ request to reconsider the decision on its sales forecast counts from the recent rate case. (Docket 24-350)
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The Commission approved Big Bend Wind, LLC’s petition to amend the site permit for the 300 MW Big Bend Wind Project in Cottonwood and Watonwan counties. Big Bend Wind requested to update the turbine technology resulting in a small overall increase in nameplate capacity of the project from 300 MW to 311.1 MW. The revision also includes removing two turbines from the site layout, shifting the operations and maintenance building to an area directly adjacent to the project substation and shifting a collection line easement to avoid crossing a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources driveway. (Docket 19-619)
February 19
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The Commission denied CURE’s petition to reconsider the order approving the acquisition of ALLETE. CURE had requested that the Commission reopen the record to collect additional information on ALLETE’s plans for data centers. (Docket 24-198)
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The Commission approved Greater Minnesota Gas's request to lower is Conservation Cost Recovery Adjustment from $0.44070 per Dth to $0.2545 per Dth. (Docket 25-405)
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The Commission approved Xcel Energy’s 2024 annual review of Remaining Lives and Depreciation Rates for Electric and Gas Production and Gas Storage Facilities; and for Transmission, Distribution, and General Accounts, with some modifications. (Docket 23-356)
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The Commission denied the petition from Utility Reform Now! seeking to amend Minnesota Rules Part 7825 to incorporate the Commission’s Statements of Policy issued on April 14 and June 14, 1982. (Docket 26-81)
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The Commission reviewed and approved the 2024 Safety, Reliability, and Service Quality Reports for the state’s three electric investor-owned utilities: Xcel Energy, Minnesota Power, and Otter Tail Power. While the 2024 data show significant technological progress, the Commission also addressed rising disconnection rates and customer service challenges. (Docket 25-27, 29, 30) Press release.
February 26
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The Commission approved a site permit for the Castle Rock Solar Project, an up-to-150 MW solar energy generating facility in Castle Rock Township, Dakota County. The project connects to the existing Xcel Energy 345-kilovolt Chub Lake to Hampton Corners transmission line. The Commission's decision followed a thorough environmental review and extensive public engagement process. Drawing on input from nearby residents, tribal nations, state agencies, and local organizations, the PUC adopted permit conditions tailored to the local landscape. Key conditions include karst geology protections, visual screening for neighboring properties, and habitat-friendly site restoration practices. (Docket 24-267)
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The Commission approved Minnesota Power’s Longspur Wind Project, a 200 MW wind facility in Morton County, North Dakota. Longspur is projected to generate about 896,000 megawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity each year. (Docket 25-309)
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The Commission approved a route permit for the Laketown 115 kV transmission line project in Carver County. Proposed by Great River Energy and Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, the project includes approximately 4.3 miles of new transmission line and a new substation to support local energy needs. (Docket 24-132)
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The Commission approved a suite of new solar and battery storage projects proposed by Xcel Energy. The approved portfolio includes more than 1,600 MW of new renewable and storage capacity across the Upper Midwest, marking one of the largest coordinated clean energy procurement efforts in Minnesota to date. The Commission also acted to ensure Minnesota captures time-sensitive federal tax credits. Projects must begin construction by July 4, 2026, to qualify for full incentives, including additional 10% tax credit bonuses for “energy community” locations. (Docket 24-230)
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The Commission established new standards for the Distribution System Reactive Upgrade Process (DSRUP). This initiative aims to break existing bottlenecks in the power grid, allowing for faster and more economical interconnection of solar and other distributed energy resources. The Minnesota Legislature directed the PUC to create generic standards to accelerate capacity and share these costs fairly. The DSRUP retools this dynamic by allowing multiple developers to pool resources and pay for infrastructure on a pro-rata basis, ensuring they only pay for the capacity they use. (Docket 24-288)
Recaps of Commission public meetings and hearings
Planning meetings
Planning meeting on grid enhancing technologies: On February 3, the Commissioners heard several presentations on grid-enhancing technology (GETs) in Minnesota. Commission staff provided an overview of the Commission’s work to implement 2024 GETs legislation. Great River Energy and Heimdall Power gave a presentation on their Neuron Dynamic Line Rating Project, and Minnesota Transmission Owners provided an overview of the GETs analysis and GETs projects included in the Biennial Transmission Plan. Meeting materials and a recording are available on our website.
Annual residential customer metrics update planning meeting: On February 24, the Commission reviewed 2025 data on residential customers of rate-regulated gas and electric utilities. Data showed that for electric customers, the total amount past due is lower than immediately post-pandemic and is similar to pre-pandemic levels. This means customers have found ways to manage their debt, including partnering with their utilities to set up payment plans. The amount past due for gas customers is slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels. For disconnections, more electric customers were disconnected in 2025 than in pre-pandemic years. For gas customers, disconnection rates are similar to pre-pandemic levels. Staff will seek additional data for next year's presentation to understand which customers are repeatedly disconnected and whether there are any geographic trends among customers. Meeting materials and a recording are available on our website.
Project and workgroup meetings
Distributed Generation Workgroup education session: On February 18, the Commission hosted the first Distributed Generation Workgroup education session on flexible interconnection. A recording of the session is available on our website.
Lake Charlotte Solar and Battery Energy Storage System: On February 24-25, the PUC held public hearings on the application of Lake Charlotte Solar, LLC for site permits to construct and operate a 150 MW solar energy generating system and a 150 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Rutland Township, Martin County. The project would connect to the existing Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Rutland Substation. Public comment open through March 13.
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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21-135
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Utilities filed 14-day Notice of pricing event that impacted the PGAs noted above. Xcel noted that between Jan 23-27, spot market prices for natural gas spiked reaching a high of $70.94/Dth at the Northern Natural Gas Ventura Hub, the Company limited customer impact by re-sourcing gas supplies, utilized baseload natural gas and contracted stored gas, used geographic diversity and flexibility to avoid highest priced locations, called on interruptible customers (327), implemented a communication plan for firm customer notifications, made purchasing decisions to reduce costs, and dispatched peak shaving facilities. MERC purchased gas at higher-than-average spot market prices for both the Viking-Chisago and Emerson-Viking. MERC reports cost mitigations including increased baseload contracts and daily storage capability, communicating to transportation customers, and interruptible customer curtailments.
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25-142
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Several filings on Xcel’s Integrated Distribution Plan (IDP) - CEE, ELPC/CEF/Vote Solar, Fresh Energy, Joint Solar Parties, Department of Commerce, and Minneapolis submitted filings. Specifically on the Transportation Electrification Plan (TEP) – the Department, OAG, SWITCH, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Metro Transit and Clean Energy Groups filed recommendations.
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25-67
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Xcel filed a petition for approval of two self-build projects in ERAS: 300 MW Nobles BESS and 300 MW Sherco South BESS. These projects have not yet been selected but Xcel expects them to be selected for MISO Cycle 3, which is expected to start on March 2. The Commission has an open proceeding on the Sherco South BESS site permit but has not received a permit application for Nobles BESS yet.
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25-117
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PowerOn Midwest filed their joint Certificate of Need Application. The Project consists of ~ 270 miles of new 765kV transmission lines across southern Minnesota that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The Project is anticipated to be in-service in 2034. The Commission issued a Notice of Comment Period on Application Completeness, with initial, reply and supplemental comment periods closing February 23, March 2 and March 9, 2026. Separate route permit applications will be filed later.
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26-126
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Minnesota Power filed a proposal to comply with legislation requiring definition and appropriate characteristics of a very large customer class or subclass by using MP’s existing Large Power Customer Class and Service Tariff and requests no changes of the underlying framework of the Large Power Service schedule or tariff structure.
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26-124
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Otter Tail Power requests a billing error variance to approve “a refund to LIHEAP customers that were overcharged the Energy Intensive Trade Exposed (EITE) surcharge during the billing period August 2021 – November 2025 due to an oversight where the Company did not place an EITE exemption on the customer’s accounts when the energy assistance payment went to another utility… The total amount overbilled, over the time period of the error including interest through December 31, 2025, is $20,111.95.”
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25-121
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Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative filed their Certificate of Need application for the Gopher to Badger Link Project. Segment 1 is a single-circuit 765 kV HVTL between the existing North Rochester Substation and a point near Marion, Minnesota; Segment 2 is a 765 kV/161 kV double-circuit HVTL from near Marion, Minnesota, to the Wisconsin border. The Commission issued a Notice of Comment Period on Application Completeness with initial, reply and supplemental comment periods closing February 25, March 4 and March 9.
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22-75
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Great River Energy filed a notice of changed circumstances noting the GRE Board approved a PPA with 426 MW Red Butte Wind under development by NextEra Energy Resources in North Dakota using surplus interconnection at Coal Creek Station owned and operated by Rainbow Energy Center using the Nexus line and is anticipated in operation by the end of 2028.
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24-275, 21-565
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Thermal Energy Networks (TEN): Department submitted a letter to MN legislators in support of the findings in the PUC report. CenterPoint, Xcel, CPE argues the report recommendations should not be adopted until there is learnings from in-state pilots/demonstrations. Xcel states “The Legislature could help provide greater clarity for utility investment through targeted statutory changes, including but not limited to allowing public utilities to fulfill their obligation to serve by providing thermal service, creating the option of TEN Service Plans when a need has been demonstrated in a GIRP, and providing a recovery mechanism for pre-construction costs.”
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25-112
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Minnesota Power and American Transmission Company, LLC Certificate of Need and Route Permit for the Iron Range – St. Louis County – Arrowhead 345 kV Transmission Project. Applicants requested the Commission cancel and re-schedule public meetings originally scheduled for February 10, 11 and 12, 2026 due to the companies’ staffing availability and the need for additional time to ensure a proper public engagement process. The Commission is working to reschedule public meetings for early April and will provide notice of the new dates, times and locations of all meetings when details are available.
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24-198, 26-17
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Minnesota Power filed a notice of contract with affiliated interest, Cooper Power Systems, which is an entity more than 5% owned by BlackRock, Inc. Also, with CDW Direct LLC, an entity more than 5% owned by BlackRock, Inc. Minnesota Power filed a bill credit plan for the $50 million and proposes implementing the credit in 2027 and notes plans to file a rate case in late 2026 with a 2027 test year and proposes timing the credit, as a standalone bill item, with interim rates. The Company will still move forward with bill credits if they do not file a rate case. MP filed its proposed Land Sales Credit Plan which involves a new rider to allow a one-time credit be placed on customers’ bills instead of using Renewable Resources Rider or base rates and describes the allocation methodology proposed which involves a different methodology for large power customers because the energy requirements for that class are more variable. In total, the MN jurisdictional land sales credit is $72.5m. MP filed its proposed flat $20 discount and Arrearage Forgiveness offering.
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25-109
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Maple River to Cuyuna 345 kV transmission line. Minnesota Power, Great River Energy and Otter Tail Power filed their Certificate of Need application for the new 345 kV double-circuit transmission line, to be operated initially as a single transmission line, connecting Minnesota Power’s Cuyuna Substation in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, to Otter Tail Power Company’s Maple River Substation in Cass County, North Dakota. The Project will be approximately 160 to 180 miles, with approximately 6-10 miles of length in North Dakota. The Commission issued a notice of comment period on CN application completeness; initial, reply and supplemental comment periods run through 3/10/26. Applicants will stay the CN proceeding following this comment period, and the Commission will resume concurrent processing of the CN application with the route permit application once it is filed.
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25-116
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Applicants filed their Certificate of Need application for the Bison to Alexandria Second Circuit 345 kV transmission line. The project includes adding a second 345 kV transmission circuit on mostly existing transmission structures over ~ 101 miles. The Project proposes 86 new steel monopole structures and 82 foundations and modifications to the existing Bison and Alexandria Substations. Applicants anticipate construction complete by the end of 2031. The Commission found the Certificate of Need application complete on February 27. The Commission will prepare an Environmental Report for the CN. Applicants expect to file a request later this year to amend their original route permit.
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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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