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Browse our most frequently asked questions about Minnesota Energy Connection.
Xcel Energy is proposing to build two new 345-kV transmission lines between the retiring Sherco coal plant and Lyon County in southwest Minnesota; the lines are proposed to be placed on one pole (called a double-circuit transmission line). The new infrastructure is designed to enable more than 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy to replace the existing coal units near Becker, Minn.
The new infrastructure re-uses grid connections in Becker, which is required to meet federal regulations that Xcel Energy re-use the connection or lose the right to connect at that location to serve customers, and opens a new path for renewable energy in the wind-rich southern and southwest Minnesota regions.
The new power lines will make it possible to build new renewable energy, creating new jobs in in the communities where the infrastructure is located. The new wind and solar farms that will connect to this project will also bring new property tax revenue and lease payments to landowners.
Minnesota’s Energy Connection will provide benefits to all communities Xcel Energy serves in the Upper Midwest. The energy that replaces the retiring Sherco plant will serve all Xcel Energy customers in the region. Re-using the grid connections at Sherco will provide a new connection to renewable energy in the wind-rich regions of southern and southwest Minnesota and deliver that energy to customers through the existing transmission grid as we reduce carbon emissions more than 80% by 2030 and pursue our vision of delivering 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Additionally, this project will help Xcel Energy meet Minnesota’s requirement to deliver 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040, legislation that was passed in 2023.
Additionally, the project will support the economic vitality of the state by delivering economic benefits to rural communities across southern and southwest Minnesota. Project construction will require substantial amounts of labor and resources. We often source material such as cement and concrete locally, and our employees and construction contractors will provide additional direct economic impact to communities as the project is under construction.
Once the project is completed, it will drive ongoing job opportunities and employment in the clean energy sector by enabling the construction of the new wind and solar that will connect to the power lines.
We filed a Certificate of Need application in March 2023 and began working with landowners and local governments in late 2022 to begin identifying potential route options for the project.
We expect the Commission to take 12-18 months to review the Certificate of Need application with a decision expected in 2024.
We began working with landowners and local governments in late 2022 to identify potential route corridors and held public open houses in February and March 2023 to ask for feedback about those options.
A second round of open houses are scheduled for June 2023 (see dates and locations on Community Engagement page) to ask for feedback on revised route options.
We’ll use the comments we receive during the summer to finalize the Route Permit application, which we expect to file in fall 2023. The Commission’s review takes about 12-18 months with a decision expected in late 2024 or early 2025.
If both applications are approved, we expect to begin purchasing easements from landowners in 2025-2026, conduct engineering and design activities, and begin construction in late 2026. The project is scheduled to be in-service by late 2027.
We held public open houses in February 2023 and continue to evaluate feedback from landowners and local governments about the preliminary route options.
Additional open houses are scheduled for June 2023 (see Community Engagement page) where we will ask for feedback on revised route options. Feedback from landowners will help us finalize the Route Permit application we will file in fall 2023.
Landowners can always send comments and feedback via email to [email protected] or call the project information line at 1-888-292-4714.
Wind farms are not part of the transmission project proposal. The purpose of the transmission project is to connect the wind-rich areas in southern and southwest Minnesota. Generation projects that will be connected to the transmission project will be developed separately from this project, a process also overseen by the Commission.
When we proposed the project in 2022 we also published a Request for Information to determine if there would be enough renewable projects to meet our customer needs in the future. Most of those projects are expected to be located near the project end-point in southwest Minnesota. We’re also aware of projects in central Minnesota that may connect to the project, which would require a new substation near the project area. In addition to delivering renewable energy to customers via the MN Energy Connection transmission line, that substation would provide important voltage support for the project helping improve reliability for customers.
When we purchase an easement, landowners are typically paid a one-time payment for the fair market value of the easement, which is based on the appraised land value. We will use market data from recent sales of similar properties to determine fair and appropriate compensation for the easement. Most land will still be usable for the same purpose after construction of the transmission line and activities, such as agriculture, can continue outside of the small area occupied by the transmission structures.
The question of the effect of a transmission line on property values often comes up when new lines are proposed. We’ve found that while some property sales may take longer, several studies have been completed that indicate limited impact on property values due to proximity to transmission lines. In fact, real estate studies have found that property buyers are most concerned with other property features and amenities, such as lot size, schools, and similar considerations.
Additionally, landowners can continue to use the property as they had previously, such as for agriculture, with some limitations. Generally, easement restrictions limit the type of trees and vegetation in the Right-of-Way as tall trees could grow into and damage the transmission line, and limits against new buildings or structures within the ROW.
The Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review & Analysis, has also evaluated property values and transmission lines in its environmental review documents. The analysis included in the Environmental Impact Statement for the Huntley-Wilmarth 345 kV project can be found here:
No. Power lines, including high-voltage transmission and lower-voltage power lines serving neighborhoods, produce EMF just like household appliances and office equipment, such as toasters, hair dryers, computers and lamps. Since the 1970s, a large amount of scientific research has been conducted on EMF and health. This large body of research has been reviewed by many leading public health agencies such as the U.S. National Cancer Institute, the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others. These reviews do not show that exposure to electric power EMF causes or contributes to adverse health effects.
A transmission line is a set of structures that delivers power over long distances and at higher voltages. A transmission line connects to a substation where the voltage is then reduced to a lower, distribution level. The lower voltage is then sent to a distribution line, which is designed to bring energy to homes and businesses.
Transmission lines are built and maintained to meet or exceed safety standards, such as those specified by the National Electrical Safety Code and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation. Every effort is made to ensure the safety in construction, operation and maintenance of transmission lines. For information on safe distances for specific activities near any power line, contact the utility operating the line directly. Transmission lines are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and protective devices at line terminals stop the electricity flow under abnormal operating circumstances.
All power lines in our system are monitored 24/7 for line contact—meaning an object comes in contact with the transmission line conductors. If there is an unanticipated event in the line, the line is de-energized to protect the public and the line from operating under unsafe conditions. We inspect all our system lines annually to check for line connections and damage. While designing the line, we follow national design standards to ensure the lines are robust and can withstand several extenuating circumstances.
Power lines are inspected regularly (usually during fall or winter months) and by air and ground to look for the following:
We plan to create a safe working and operating environment for this project which will require the clearing of the 150-foot right-of-way. We will work with property owners to locate the line on their property to limit tree removal as much as practicable. Xcel Energy will ensure safety and compliance with our internal and electrical code standards.
In addition, trees growing near power lines can be a safety hazard and are a major contributor to electric service interruptions nationwide—that’s why Xcel Energy prunes and removes trees near power lines in your community. Tree pruning is the selective removal of branches that are not an adequate distance away from power lines, or that will grow too close to the power line before the next maintenance cycle. Our goal is to provide safe, reliable service while also taking the best possible care of your community’s natural resources.
Trees can cause outages in two ways, mechanical and electrical. Mechanical refers to entire trees or portions of trees falling and physically damaging facilities (knocking down wires, poles, etc.). Because trees can be conductive, electrical outages can also occur. These interruptions are caused when a portion of a tree becomes a short-circuit path for electricity to flow, causing a protective device to operate and stop the flow of electricity. This could also ignite fires if a spark meets dry debris or fuel. Trees must be maintained at an adequate distance from the conductors to prevent electric service interruptions or ignition.
We are proposing a double circuit, 345-kV transmission line using a single-pole structure. The poles will be spaced about 800-1,000 feet apart, depending on the terrain and other considerations, and will be approximately 100-150 feet tall with a concrete foundation at the base. Some poles that are built on angles or where the route turns (called dead-end structures) may be two poles located side by side with slightly larger foundation
In general, the poles will have cross arms (called davit arms) on each side of the pole, three conductor wires (the double-circuit design means one transmission ‘circuit’ will be on either side of the pole) and a shield wire installed on top to protect the infrastructure from lightning strikes, helping to maintain a reliable electric system.
Undergrounding electrical lines is a common topic. Unlike lower-voltage distribution power lines which deliver electricity to homes and businesses, high voltage transmission lines are not frequently installed underground because of several factors, including the high cost of burying lines, which is generally estimated to be up to ten times the cost of building similar lines overhead.
If a route is proposed on your property and the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approves that route, we would purchase an easement to build, operate and maintain the transmission line on the property. You would continue to own the property and, in most cases, continue to use your property as you do currently, as long as it does not interfere with the safe operation and maintenance of the transmission line.
The typical right-of-way (ROW) width required for the transmission line is generally 150 feet. In some instances the right of way may be slightly wider due to site conditions. A right-of-way is the actual land area acquired for a specific purpose, such as a transmission line, roadway or other infrastructure.
An easement is the legal document that must be signed by a landowner before the utility can proceed and explains what uses a landowner can continue to conduct within the ROW.
Minnesota’s Buy-the-Farm law grants some landowners the option to require the company to purchase all of a landowner’s property that is crossed by a transmission line, or a portion of the property.
For similar projects in recent years, many Buy-the-Farm elections have led to real estate transactions that were completed before the projects were built, providing certainty to both landowners and transmission line developers. If the energy company and landowner can’t agree on a price for the property, the issue is generally resolved through the eminent domain process.
Xcel Energy has a good track record of working with landowners to negotiate a fair settlement when purchasing easements from landowners. We understand that is not always the case and Minnesota law does allow for the use of eminent domain if the utility and landowner can’t come to a negotiated agreement.
The eminent domain process is generally overseen by a three-person panel with knowledge of real estate values in the area. The landowner, or representative, and utility will present information about the project, land values, impact to the property, and other factors, to the panel, which will make an award for the value of the easement.
The life of a transmission project depends on a lot of factors, primarily how it’s maintained. The initial installation of a transmission line typically lasts from 50-80 years, but many can last 100 years depending on weather conditions and maintenance.
There are typically staging areas and laydown yards every 20-30 miles along the transmission line route. Staging areas tend to be 10-20 acres in size and we will work with the community and landowners to find good locations.
We expect to begin construction in late 2025 with completion in 2027.
When locating pole structures, we evaluate the possibility if keeping them out of flood plain or wet areas. The poles are set on a concrete foundation and can withstand significant weather conditions, such as flooding and strong wind.
The distance between transmission poles, or span lengths, varies and is based on voltage and pole height. The typical distance for the MNEC is about 800-1000 feet.
We will use a multi-step process to develop the two transmission line routes we will propose in a Route Permit application, and that process includes significant outreach to the public, landowners, local governments and other stakeholders. The Commission will determine which route the project will follow during the Route Permit review process.
Throughout our routing process, we’ll ask for feedback on routing considerations, including current and planned land use, cultural and historical resources, technical and engineering requirements, environmental constraints, factors related to construction and operations, and other factors we learn are important in the coming months.
In the case of the MN Energy Connection, we began with a wide area between the Sherco power plant near Becker and a western end point in Lyon County where we will connect with new wind and solar energy proposed in the region. The specific location in western Minnesota is not yet determined.
We’ve worked with landowners and local governments to provide information about land use issues and the affect the various route options may have on land use, such as agriculture, proximity to homes, environmental factors, and other related issues.
We have also worked with state agencies to ask for feedback on the route options and the affect on roadways, natural resources and similar issues.
Finally, our engineering and construction teams have reviewed the routes to ensure the route options we’ve presented to the public can be safely and effectively, built, operated and maintained.
For each of the route options identified during this process, we’ve completed analysis of each route and tracked that data to identify routes that limit impacts to landowners and meets all project requirements and state regulations. This data will be included in the Route Permit application.
This fall we will submit a Route Permit application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission which will evaluate our proposals through an evidentiary hearing and public engagement process that includes public meetings and hearings throughout the project area.
We must receive a Certificate of Need and a Route Permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for the project.
Certificate of Need:
A Certificate of Need must be granted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission before a person can build new infrastructure like we’re proposing. The Certificate of Need application will describe why the project is needed, the issues building it will solve, and include details such as engineering, operational details, environmental impacts, and alternatives that were considered before submitting the application.
The Certificate of Need process is expected to take approximately 18 months for review and will include public meetings and hearings held throughout the project area. Some of those meetings will discuss the scope of the environmental report, and it’s also likely that an Administrative Law Judge will hold public hearings where local landowners can comment about the overall project.
Landowners, local officials and other stakeholders can also submit written comments to the Public Utilities Commission if they prefer to do so.
Following this process, the Commission will then hold a public meeting to deliberate and decide on the Certificate of Need. We expect this process to continue throughout 2023 with a decision likely in 2024.
Route Permit Application:
Separate from the Certificate of Need, Xcel Energy will identify potential routes for the new transmission line and submit a Route Permit Application to the Commission.
In Minnesota, the law requires that we propose at least two feasible route options for the Commission to consider.
The Route Permit application will include significant information about each route option, including construction, maintenance and operations considerations, the land use considerations that went into developing the route, and other factors that were evaluated.
The Commission will refer the proceeding to an Administrative Law Judge who will review all information, hold public meetings and hearings, and make a recommendation to the Commission.
The Public Utilities Commission must grant a Route Permit before we can begin construction of the transmission line.
The best way to be involved in this process is to attend public open houses, public meetings and hearings, and sign up for email newsletters.
Continuing to attend public meetings and providing input on preliminary route options is the best way to participate right now.
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will schedule public meetings to identify the scope of information to be included in the Certificate of Need’s environmental report (written by the Department of Commerce), and we expect the Commission to assign the Certificate of Need review to an Administrative Law Judge to schedule and oversee public hearings. Submitting verbal or written comments in these meetings will help the Commission evaluate the Certificate of Need application.
After the Route Permit application is filed, the Department of Commerce will hold public meetings to determine the scope of information developed in an Environmental Impact Statement, at which time stakeholders can suggest new routes to be considered. An Administrative Law Judge will also likely be assigned to oversee this proceeding and schedule public meetings and hearings to review the Route Permit application.
The Commission, in both proceedings, reviews all information and makes an eventual decision on whether to approve the need for the project and what route the project may take.
We will work with the Commission and Department of Commerce to inform landowners about the meeting dates and locations.
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