Project Overview
Xcel Energy is proposing the rebuilding of Line 736 from Taylors Falls to the Arden Hills substation. A multiple phase project running through the counties of Chisago, Washington, Anoka and Ramsey, the Northeast Metro Rebuild project is designed to strengthen Xcel Energy’s transmission infrastructure and continue to meet electrical demand in the region.
The current 69kV line has reached the end of its expected operational life and requires new poles and wiring in order to maintain reliability and safety requirements. Additionally, substations along the route will be updated and a substation (Birch) in Shoreview will be relocated and rebuilt.
The rebuild will leverage the current line route and construction will take place in the existing easements. The route will be divided into three phases – Taylors Falls to Scandia, Scandia to Hugo, and Hugo to Arden Hills. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025 and will be conducted in phases beginning with the Taylors Falls to Scandia segment.
Project Details
Phase I Details
Phase I of the project will be focused rebuilding on a section of the line from Taylors Falls to Scandia. The rebuild will leverage the existing line route and easements. Located in an area with heightened wildfires risk, Xcel Energy will be replacing the existing wooden structures with 50-foot steel poles (approximately 10 feet taller to meet current standards). The construction process will begin with clearing vegetation and then laying mats in preparation for pole replacement and rewiring.
