Great River Energy, ITC Midwest and Xcel Energy on Feb. 3 proposed a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kilovolt backbone transmission line that will connect to the existing transmission grid in eastern South Dakota, travel across southern Minnesota and connect to the broader regional grid.
In Minnesota, the 765 kV line will connect the Lakefield, Pleasant Valley and North Rochester substations in Jackson, Mower and Olmstead counties.
The project partners submitted an application for a Certificate of Need for PowerOn Midwest to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC).
“PowerOn Midwest is a vital investment for Minnesota and the entire Upper Midwest,” said the utility partners. “By strengthening the transmission system, these transmission lines will help ensure reliable, affordable electricity for Minnesota homes and businesses, support economic growth and enable access to lower-cost energy resources across the Upper Midwest. Together, we’re building a grid that meets today’s needs and positions our region for a sustainable future.”
The projects were part of the portfolio approved in December 2024 by the region’s grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), as part of the second set of projects in its Long Range Transmission Plan.
In this portfolio, MISO approved 24 transmission projects including several 345 kV projects in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, as well as this 765 kV transmission backbone infrastructure.
The companies jointly held 17 public open houses in Minnesota and numerous stakeholder meetings over the past year to provide opportunities for engagement with landowners, local governments, agencies and Tribal Nations.
Pending approval of the Certificate of Need application in Minnesota, the companies will work closely with landowners and communities throughout the project area to seek input that will help determine the best line route to propose in their future Route Permit application.
Route options are still in development and the companies will work with landowners as that process continues.
Route Permit applications will be filed with the MPUC in 2027. Project development continues in South Dakota where a Facility Permit is expected to be filed later in 2026.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the companies expect construction of the transmission line to begin by 2030 and the line to be operational in 2034.
In addition to the proposed 765 kV projects, two 345 kV projects are included in the Certificate of Need application. The companies would rebuild an existing single-circuit 345 kV line between Pleasant Valley and North Rochester substations, and add a second circuit to the existing 345 kV transmission line between the Hampton and North Rochester substation.
Great River Energy is a not-for-profit wholesale electric power cooperative which provides electricity to approximately 1.7 million people through its member-owner cooperatives and customers. Through its member-owners, the cooperative serves two-thirds of Minnesota geographically and parts of Wisconsin. Great River Energy has more than 5,100 miles of high-voltage transmission lines.
Xcel Energy generates and distributes electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas.
ITC Midwest LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corp., the nation’s largest independent electricity transmission company. ITC Midwest operates more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin.
