Advocacy Groups Applaud Approval of Northland Reliability Transmission Line
Second MISO Tranche 1 Long-Range Transmission Line to Receive Approval in Minnesota
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Kelley Welf, Clean Grid Alliance, kwelf@cleangridalliance.org, 612.978.2444
Jo Olson, Fresh Energy, olson@fresh-energy.org, 218.290.6247
Sarah Horner, MCEA, shorner@mncenter.org, 612.868.3024
Cora Hoffer, CFRA, corah@cfra.org, 507.513.8545
Ellie Potter, ACORE, potter@acore.org
ST. PAUL, MINN. (January 23, 2025) – Today, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the Certificate of Need and Route Permit for the Northland Reliability Transmission Line, known as "LRTP 3" in the Midcontinent Independent System Operators (MISO) Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP) Tranche 1 project portfolio.
The Northland Reliability project is an approximately 180-mile, double-circuit 345-kV transmission line that runs through Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing, Morrison, Benton, and Sherburne Counties in Minnesota. It comprises two segments.
Segment 1 is a new 140-mile double-circuit 345-kV line running from Minnesota Power's Iron Range Substation in Itasca County to Great River Energy's Benton County Substation near St. Cloud. Existing transmission line corridors will be used for most of this segment. The second segment replaces approximately 20 miles of 230-kV line with two 345-kV double-circuit structures running from the Benton County Substation to the new Big Oaks Substation in Sherburne County along existing transmission corridors. The Commission approved the Big Oaks Substation project in October 2023.
In addition, the Northland Reliability project will expand the existing Iron Range Substation near Grand Rapids and the Benton County Substation near St. Cloud. A new substation will be installed at or near the existing Riverton Substation, and existing transmission lines in the Riverton area will be reconfigured.
In July 2022, MISO approved the Tranche 1 LRTP portfolio of projects, which will provide $37 billion in benefits over 20 years and improve grid reliability and integration of new renewable energy resources. The Tranche 1 transmission lines are "least-regrets" projects because they are foundational to solving long-standing reliability and efficiency concerns on the regional grid.
This transmission project is designed to strengthen the grid, reduce the likelihood of power outages, and ensure that electricity remains the reliable backbone of our economy. It will also deliver clean, affordable energy.
Several advocacy groups, including Clean Grid Alliance (CGA), Center for Rural Affairs, Fresh Energy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA), Sierra Club, the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota ("CUB"), and Union of Concerned Scientists, collectively, the "Joint Commenters," support this line for its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance system reliability during the clean energy transition, and improve the deliverability of both wind and solar resources from the Dakotas to Minnesota.
"Clean Grid Alliance is extremely pleased that utilities have completed applications for regulatory approval in a timely fashion, and upon receiving them can get the LRTP Tranche 1 lines under construction. We thank the Commission for their quick and thoughtful review of this application," said Beth Soholt, Executive Director of Clean Grid Alliance. "There's not a moment to waste upgrading our electric infrastructure so we can alleviate congestion, aid regional reliability, and deliver new, clean energy that everyone demands."
"MCEA is thrilled to see another Tranche 1 line approved in Minnesota," said Amelia Vohs, Climate Program Director at MCEA. "This line and others like it are foundational to Minnesota achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040 because they enable the construction of clean energy projects that will replace fossil fuels. This is a win for the climate and a win for the State."
"Fresh Energy is very excited to see Minnesota continue to lead on getting MISO's Tranche 1 portfolio of projects into service," said Will Mulhern, Manager, Clean Electricity at Fresh Energy. "The Northland Reliability Transmission Line is critical for facilitating more renewable energy on the grid, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and maintaining reliability in North Central Minnesota and the Iron Range."
"This project is an essential part of enhancing the electric grid in rural areas. Updating and improving transmission in rural Minnesota helps reduce congestion and improve reliability, while also providing a new road to market for clean energy," said Cora Hoffer, Senior Policy Associate, Center for Rural Affairs. "Wind and solar development create substantial opportunities for rural communities across the state as well as the region, providing new tax revenue for counties to support essential services and offer a new source of income to farm families."
"Achieving American energy dominance starts with building the transmission grid necessary to connect businesses to the lowest-cost power," said Kevin O'Rourke, SVP of Development and Public Affairs, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE). "The Northland Reliability project is a great example of a regionally planned transmission line that will help keep the lights on and keep costs down for all Midwest consumers."
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About Clean Grid Alliance: Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. CGA has been an active stakeholder in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA's membership includes industry representatives working in wind, solar and storage as well as environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the clean energy industry who come together to reduce carbon and deliver a clean energy future. Learn more at cleangridalliance.org.
About Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy: The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy is a nonprofit organization using law, science, and research to protect Minnesota's natural resources, wildlife and the health of its people. For more information, please go to www.mncenter.org.
About Fresh Energy: Fresh Energy's mission is to shape and drive bold policy solutions to achieve equitable carbon-neutral economies. Together we are working toward a vision of a just, prosperous, and resilient future powered by a shared commitment to a carbon-neutral economy.
About Center for Rural Affairs: Founded in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs' mission is to establish strong rural communities, social and economic justice, environmental stewardship, and genuine opportunity for all while engaging people in decisions that affect the quality of their lives and the future of their communities.
About ACORE: For over 20 years, ACORE has been the nation's leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit www.acore.org.
