(KNSI) – More utilities plan to bring energy to central Minnesota from other parts of the state. Late last week Xcel Energy announced it intends to build a 120-mile power line ending in Becker. On Monday, Minnesota Power and Great River Energy said they are looking to construct a transmission line stretching from Itasca County south to substations in Benton and Sherburne Counties.
The utilities have been granted approval from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which oversees the regional grid, for the project. It is expected to cost $970 million and they want it to be in operation by 2030.
The companies hope to submit an application for the project to the Public Utility Commission in late 2023. Public input will need to be gathered over the next year, so potential routes for the power line can be drawn up before paperwork is filed.
The companies say in a release that future reliability is paramount as renewable energy is brought online and existing plants are retired. They also cite the growing trend towards electrification in motor vehicles and more common severe storms as reasons for the new investment.
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