Businesswire·2026-02-03 20:31Core Insights - Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, and Xcel Energy proposed new electric transmission lines to enhance electricity reliability and connect new energy sources to the grid, submitting a Certificate of Need application for the PowerOn Midwest project to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission [1][5] Project Overview - PowerOn Midwest includes a 765 kilovolt (kV) backbone transmission line that will connect to the existing grid in eastern South Dakota, traverse southern Minnesota, and link to the broader regional grid [2] - The 765 kV line will connect the Lakefield, Pleasant Valley, and North Rochester substations located in Jackson, Mower, and Olmstead counties in Minnesota [2] Economic and Environmental Impact - The utility partners emphasized that PowerOn Midwest is a crucial investment for Minnesota and the Upper Midwest, aiming to ensure reliable and affordable electricity, support economic growth, and provide access to lower-cost energy resources [3] - The new infrastructure is designed to accommodate energy from various sources, ensuring reliable energy delivery throughout the year [3] Regulatory and Development Timeline - The projects were part of a portfolio approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in December 2024, which included 24 transmission projects [4] - Route options are still being developed, with Route Permit applications expected to be filed with the MPUC in 2027, and construction anticipated to begin by 2030, with operations starting in 2034 [7] Additional Projects - In addition to the 765 kV line, the Certificate of Need application includes two 345 kV projects, which involve rebuilding an existing single-circuit 345 kV line and adding a second circuit to another existing line [8]