Minnesota Power, Great River Energy Advance Joint 345-kV Transmission Line Project with Application for Certificate of Need, Route Permit
Proposed route for the Northland Reliability Project subject to regulatory approval. (Photo: Business Wire)
The Northland Reliability Project is an approximately 180-mile, double-circuit, 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, primarily following existing transmission corridors, from northern
The jointly developed project is one of 18 transmission projects approved in July 2022 by the region’s grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), in the first phase of its Long-Range Transmission Plan to integrate new generation resources and boost grid resilience as the energy transition continues. The Northland Reliability Project is the first project in this portfolio to reach this milestone of a state regulatory process.
“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,” said Great River Energy’s Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer Priti Patel. “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.”
The companies jointly held nearly 30 public open houses and numerous stakeholder meetings over the past year to provide opportunities for engagement with landowners, local governments, agencies, and Tribal Nations. This public feedback is reflected in the proposed route.
“Collaboration with other utilities is critical as we invest in the transmission needed to maintain a reliable and resilient grid in northeast
Subject to regulatory approvals, the companies expect construction to begin in 2027 and the line to be operational in 2030. Total cost is estimated between
Utilities across the region are significantly increasing the amount of renewable energy they provide to their customers. By reducing coal-based energy and more than doubling renewable energy, Great River Energy anticipates that by 2035 its retail electric sales will be provided by a
Project details
The Northland Reliability Project is divided into two segments.
Segment one: Approximately 140 miles of new 345-kV double-circuit transmission lines will be constructed primarily near existing transmission line corridors, from Minnesota Power’s Iron Range Substation in
Segment two: A 20-mile 230-kV line will be replaced with two 345-kV circuits along existing transmission corridors from the Benton County Substation to a new Big Oaks Substation that will be built as part of a separate project. A 20-mile 345-kV line will also be replaced along existing transmission corridors from the Benton County Substation to the Sherco Substation in
Other improvements: In addition to the transmission line, the Northland Reliability Project will expand the Iron Range Substation near
For more information and a map of the Northland Reliability Project’s route corridor, visit https://northlandreliabilityproject.com. People also can subscribe to receive updates about the project from the MPUC. Visit edockets.state.mn.us and enter docket 22-416 for information on the Certificate of Need or docket 22-415 for information on the Route Permit.
Great River Energy,
Minnesota Power provides electric service within a 26,000-square-mile area in northeastern
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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230804020172/en/
Amy
Director Corporate Communications
Minnesota Power/ALLETE 218-348-2961
arutledge@mnpower.com
Lori Buffington
Leader, Communications
Great River Energy 763-486-9266
lbuffington@grenergy.com
Source: ALLETE Inc.