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    Building transmission lines

    Minnesota Energy Connection Project

    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. 

    Xcel has proposed two route alternatives that are 171 and 174 miles in length designated as the Purple Route and Blue Route, respectively. Xcel has also proposed four connector segments that would allow options to utilize different portions of each alternative route, as necessary.

    The proposed MNEC Project would also include: 

    • A new 3.1-mile single-circuit 345-kV transmission line between the existing Sherco and Sherco Solar West substations in Becker, Minnesota (Green Segment). This segment of the new transmission line would be placed on existing structures.

    • Modifications to the existing Sherco and Sherco Solar West Substations. 

    • A voltage-support substation to be located 80 miles south of the Sherco Substation in either Meeker, Kandiyohi, or Renville County, depending on the final route. 

    • An intermediate substation to be located 20 miles north of the proposed Terminal Substation near Garvin in Lyon County.

    Approvals Needed


    (1) A Certificate of Need; and

     

    (2) A Route permit

     
    Map of the proposed Minnesota Energy Connection Project route
    Click on Map for a larger version

    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.

    Alt_Process_we_are_here

    Utilities: Xcel Energy

    Docket numbers: CN-22-131; TL-22-132

    Calendar of public hearings

    link to DOC's information about the project


    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.

    Link to Xcel Energy's webpage about the project



    The MNEC Project is part of Xcel Energy’s approved 2020-2034 Upper Midwest Integrated Resource Plan (Docket No. 19-368). Visit the website that Xcel Energy has created to explain the project.

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