There are many transmission line projects in the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s permitting process, and transmission line projects vary in size, location, and length. Since 2022, the PUC has been reviewing applications for individual projects and batches of projects, also called tranches, meant to ensure reliability, ease electric grid congestion, and increase access to low-cost clean energy. The projects below include the Midwest Independent Service Operator’s (MISO) Tranche 1 and 2.1, the Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) project, and other major projects under consideration. Learn more about these projects below.
Click on Map for a larger printable version
NOTE - This map is intended for illustrative purposes only. More detailed maps, when available, are included in individual project applications and on project specific webpages referenced below.
Tranche One Transmission Projects
MISO approved an investment package of 18 transmission projects, called Tranche One, in 2022, three of which are entirely or partially located in Minnesota. These projects were approved to help integrate additional Minnesota generated electricity and to increase electric grid resiliency. The transmission lines located all or partially in Minnesota are an approximately $1.6 billion investment.
In addition to the Tranche 1 projects, Xcel Energy proposed the 345kV Minnesota Energy Connection project. The Energy Connection project is proposed to allow for more generation onto the energy system.
There is more information about each project and its status in each tab below.
This project includes the installation of an approximately 180-mile double circuit 345kV transmission line from the existing Iron Range Substation to the existing Benton Country Substation, to the new Big Oaks substation.
Big Stone South-Alexandria-Big Oaks
Several utilities are jointly pursuing permits and approvals from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for the proposed Big Stone South-Alexandria-Big Oaks Transmission Project (the Project).
Minnesota Energy Connection
Xcel Energy has applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) for a certificate of need and a route permit to construct the Minnesota Energy Connection (MNEC) Project, a new 345-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line between the existing Sherco Substation in the city of Becker, Minnesota and a new substation (Terminal Substation) proposed near the town of Garvin in Lyon County, Minnesota.
Mankato to Mississippi
This project includes the installation of an approximately 130-mile single circuit 345kV transmission line beginning at the existing Wilmarth Substation and running east to the Mississippi River near Kellogg.
Tranche 2.1 and JTIQ Transmission Projects
MISO approved the Tranche 2.1 projects in late 2024. The Minnesota portion of the batch consists of about $4.4 billion in transmission expansion investment. There are eight projects all or partially in Minnesota, which build on the Tranche 1 projects and consists of both 365kV lines and 765kV lines throughout the state.
In addition to the Tranche 2.1 projects, MISO and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) also approved the $1.7 billion package of six JTIQ projects, which includes one project in southwest Minnesota.
The Tranche 2.1 plan is forward looking and designed to handle what electric use will look like in 2042. The goal of the Tranche 2.1 and the JTIQ projects is to maintain system reliability, relieve congestion and deliver more low-cost electricity to where it is needed.
The PUC will not begin its permit review process until it receives applications for the projects. In order to be built, the projects will require a certificate of need and a route permit.
There is more information about each project and its status in each tab below.
NOTE - This map is intended for illustrative purposes only. More detailed maps, when available, are included in individual project applications and on project specific webpages referenced below.
3) In the Matter of the Application for a Certificate of Need for the Bison to Alexandria Second Circuit 345kV High Voltage Transmission Line Proj. E002,ET2,E015,E017,ET6135/CN-25-116
Maple River to Cuyuna
1) In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power for a Certificate of Need for the Maple River to Cuyuna 345kV Transmission Line Project. E015/CN-25-109; E015/TL-25-110
Iron Range to St. Louis County to Arrowhead
2) In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power for a Certificate of Need for the Iron Range to St. Louis County to Arrowhead 345kV Transmission Line Project. E015/CN-25-111; E015/TL-25-112
Big Stone South to Brookings to Lakefield Junction
4) In the Matter of the Application for a Certificate of Need for the Big Stone South to Brookings to Lakefield Junction 765kV High Voltage Transmission Line Proj. E002,ET6675/CN-25-117
Lakefield Junction to East Adair Iowa
5) In the Matter of the Application for a Certificate of Need for the Lakefield Junction to East Adair Iowa 765kV High Voltage Transmission Line Project. ET6675/CN-25-118
Lakefield Junction to Pleasant Valley to North Rochester
(6) In the Matter of the Application for a Certificate of Need for the Lakefield Junction to Pleasant Valley to North Rochester 765kV High Voltage Transmission Line Project. ET2,E002,ET6675/CN-25-119
Pleasant Valley - North Rochester - Hampton Corner
7) In the Matter of the Application for a Certificate of Need for the Pleasant Valley - North Rochester - Hampton Corner Second Circuit 345kV High Voltage Transmission Line Project. E002,ET3,ET9,E299/CN-25-120
North Rochester to Columbia
8) In the Matter of the Application of Dairyland Power Cooperative for a Certificate of Need for the North Rochester to Columbia 765kV High Voltage Transmission Line Project. ET3/CN-25-12?
JTQI
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Getting Involved
With all of the projects under PUC consideration, public input is important to ensuring the Commission has a robust record of information to base its decision on.
To learn more about commenting, using the PUC’s online forms, and tips for writing an effective comment, please go to the Commission's Comment page. Submitting comments into the official record is the only way to get them before the Commissioners for consideration.
