Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, and Xcel Energy have taken a significant step in transforming the electric grid in the Upper Midwest as they plan a new portfolio of high-voltage electric transmission lines that are geared towards meeting increasing electricity demand and connecting new generation resources in the region.

The three utilities have indicated that they have filed their Certificate of Need application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for PowerOn Midwest, which is a multi-project transmission initiative that features a new 765-kilovolt backbone transmission line. This new line will link the existing electric transmission system in eastern South Dakota and then head into southern Minnesota and into the regional grid.

Strengthening the electric grid in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the new 765-kV line will connect the Lakefield, Pleasant Valley, and North Rochester substations and traverse Jackson, Mower, and Olmsted counties. The projects strengthen the electric grid and provide additional capacity to move electricity from where generators produce it to where consumers need it.

“The utility partners view PowerOn Midwest as a cornerstone investment for the state and Upper Midwest region. We believe it will play a vital role in providing a reliable and affordable supply of electricity, supporting economic growth, and helping ensure access to lower-cost energy resources. By adding more transmission capacity, we will be able to accommodate electricity from all sources and help meet the needs for a flexible supply as the Upper Midwest’s energy mix continues to evolve.”

Already approved by MISO

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) approved PowerOn Midwest in December 2024 as part of the second tranche of projects under its Long Range Transmission Plan. MISO’s plan includes 24 transmission projects across multiple states, featuring 345 kV lines in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, along with the 765 kV backbone infrastructure.

Within the past year, extensive public involvement has occurred, including 17 open houses in Minnesota and stakeholder meetings with landowners, local governments, and agencies, as well as Tribal Nations. This process will continue as the project moves forward.

If the Certificate of Need is approved, the developers will work closely with communities and landowners. They will refine routing options ahead of the future Route Permit application. Route Permit filings in Minnesota are expected in 2027. Project development is already progressing in South Dakota, where the developers will file a Facility Permit application later in 2026.

The proposal also includes two 345 kV transmission projects. The developers will rebuild a single-circuit line between the Pleasant Valley and North Rochester substations. They will also add a second circuit to the existing 345 kV line between the Hampton and North Rochester substations.

Subject to regulatory approvals, construction of the PowerOn Midwest transmission line will begin around 2030. The line is projected to enter service in 2034. This timeline reflects the project’s scale and the long-term planning required to meet growing and changing electricity needs.

As the Upper Midwest expands its transmission network, projects across the country are also moving forward to meet growing electricity demand. In Iowa, SOO Green recently won final approval for its $3.2 billion underground transmission line, underscoring how regional operators are strengthening the grid to ensure reliable power delivery.

PowerOn Midwest Transmission Project Factsheet

Overview

PowerOn Midwest is a major electric transmission initiative. Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, and Xcel Energy proposed it to strengthen the Upper Midwest’s grid and meet growing energy demands.

Key Project Components

Primary Infrastructure:

765 kilovolt (kV) backbone transmission line spanning eastern South Dakota through southern Minnesota

Connection points: Lakefield (Jackson County), Pleasant Valley (Mower County), and North Rochester (Olmstead County) substations

Additional Infrastructure:

Rebuild of existing single-circuit 345 kV line between Pleasant Valley and North Rochester substations

Addition of second circuit to existing 345 kV line between Hampton and North Rochester substations

Project Purpose

Ensure reliable, affordable electricity delivery across the region

Support economic growth and development

Enable connection of new electricity generation sources to the grid

Accommodate energy from all sources to meet evolving demand

Provide infrastructure for increasing electricity needs from homes, businesses, technologies, and industries

Regulatory Status

Current Status:

Certificate of Need application submitted to Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in 2025

Route options currently in development

Next Steps:

Route Permit applications to be filed with MPUC in 2027

South Dakota Facility Permit expected later in 2026

Timeline

Construction Start: Expected by 2030 (subject to regulatory approvals)

Operational Date: Targeted for 2034

Regional Context

PowerOn Midwest is part of a larger regional grid modernization effort. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) approved it in December 2024 under its Long Range Transmission Plan. The historic portfolio includes 24 transmission projects across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.