Huntley-Wilmarth 345 kilovolt transmission line project enters operation in Minnesota after five years of work

Lower cost renewable energy and reduced grid congestion will follow last week’s completion of the Huntley-Wilmarth 345 kilovolt project in southern Minnesota, following five years of joint efforts between Xcel Energy and ITC Midwest.

Most of that time was spent on planning. Construction began last year, and its completion this December put it under budget and decidedly ahead of schedule. The new electric transmission line spans 50 miles from ITC Midwest’s Huntley substation to Xcel Energy’s Wilmarth substation. It cost approximately $115 million to build — about $35 million under original estimates.

“Investments in our transmission systems strengthen reliability and help us continue our clean energy transition,” Chris Clark, president of Xcel Energy-Minnesota, said. “This new transmission line will support our vision to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2030 and deliver 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2050.”

Though the line is now operational, work is not yet complete. Next, company crews will work to remove construction materials, clean up the area, and restore land affected by the project, which should continue into next year. For customers in the region, though, greater system reliability should already be on the horizon — an important item, given that the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) first identified the Iowa-Minnesota border region as one of the region’s most congested in 2008. Demand has only increased since then.

“The Huntley-Wilmarth project substantially increases grid capacity and enhances system reliability while providing more efficient transmission of energy,” Dusky Terry, president of ITC Midwest, said. “Through the construction of this new transmission line, Xcel Energy and ITC Midwest are pleased to provide greater access to renewable energy and positively contribute to the region’s economy and overall quality of life.”

MISO, Xcel Energy, and ITC Midwest have all conducted studies indicating that the Huntley-Wilmarth project should produce benefits for customers in the region equivalent to nearly double its required investments.