Mankato to Mississippi River transmission project
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.
The project is divided into the four segments:
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Segment 1: a new 48- to 54-mile 345-kV transmission line between the Wilmarth substation and a point near the West Faribault substation;
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Segment 2: a new 34- to 42-mile 345-kV transmission line from a point near the existing West Faribault substation to the existing North Rochester substation;
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Segment 3: conversion of 27 miles of existing 161/345-kV transmission line to 345-kV operation and installation of a new 16-mile 345-kV circuit on the existing 345-kV double-circuit capable structures between the existing North Rochester substation and the Mississippi River; and
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Segment 4: a new 19.6-to 23.7-mile 161-kV transmission line between the existing North Rochester substation and the existing 161-kV Chester line northeast of Rochester
Approvals needed
In order to be built, the Project requires two approvals from the Commission:
1. a certificate of need; and
2. a route permit for the Project
Proposed route
Project background
The project was a part of the Tranche 1 portfolio approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (MISO). The applicants state that the Project is needed to provide additional transmission capacity and to improve electric system reliability throughout the region to accommodate the addition of renewable resources.
Submitting comments
To submit comments into the official record, please go to the Commission's Comment page and learn more. Submitting comments into the official record is the only way to get them before the Commissioners for consideration.
Calendar of public hearings
Visit the Department Of Commerce's website to learn about their contributions to the project. Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) staff will prepare an environmental assessment for the project on behalf of the Commission.
