Minnesota Power, Great River Energy file for certificate and route permit to build 345-kV transmission line
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) received an application for a Certificate of Need and Route Permit from both Minnesota Power and Greater River Energy last week, in a bid for permission to build an approximately 180-mile, 345-kV transmission line through northern and central Minnesota.
The double-circuit line will primarily follow existing transmission corridors, but build out reliability and resilience on the regional power grid. It’s meant to support additional renewable energy, the transition of coal plants and electrification expansion, while shoring up the system against more frequent extreme weather events. As a whole, the joint effort was dubbed the Northland Reliability Project.
“The pace of change is upon us and we are laser focused on getting this line built to ensure reliability for our members and customers in northern and central Minnesota,” Priti Patel, Great River Energy’s vice president and Chief Transmission Officer, said. “We are proud to be developing this project responsibly at every juncture. We have gone to great lengths to engage with community members and critical leaders over the last year, understanding that no voice is more important than that of a cooperative member who will be hosting this project on their property.”
One of 18 transmission projects approved in July 2022 by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the new transmission effort is the first of those to reach the permitting phase of the state regulatory process. It followed a year-long public feedback period and, if all goes well, the companies claimed construction should begin in 2027. In theory, it would then likely enter operational status in 2030.
“Collaboration with other utilities is critical as we invest in the transmission needed to maintain a reliable and resilient grid in northeast Minnesota and the Upper Midwest,” Dan Gunderson, Minnesota Power’s vice president of transmission and distribution, said. “Transmission is an integral part of Minnesota Power’s EnergyForward strategy for serving customers and communities as we work toward achieving both our vision and Minnesota’s energy policy goal of a carbon-free future. As energy resources change, the regional power grid that delivers energy needs to change, too. This project will help retain our outstanding reliability, provide system support as resources transition to different operating profiles, increase capacity, strengthen resiliency, and enhance grid flexibility.”
In total, the Northland Reliability Project should run between $970-$1.3 billion, if approved as is. MISO allocation will help offset some of the costs to customers and members, but a separate review cost recovery for Minnesota Power’s share of the project will need to follow at MPUC.
