Brookings Second Circuit
Project Description
In the early 2010s, the CapX2020 utilities built the Brookings County-Hampton 345-kV project to improve electric reliability in the region and increase access to renewable energy. At the same time, some of the structures on the east and west portions of the project were built as ‘double-circuit capable’ meaning the wires delivering electricity were only installed on one side of the single-pole tower. This was done to meet the region’s energy needs at the time, in anticipation those needs would change and grow in the future. That time has arrived.
The project’s Certificate of Need was approved in early 2024 and construction on the western segment between Brookings and Lyon County was complete in September 2024.
The eastern segment construction will begin in Spring 2025 and be complete in the fall.
Project Resources
Visit brookings2ndcircuit.com (external link) (Opens in a new window)Project Benefits
- Decrease congestion on the existing transmission system, which will enable more wind energy to be delivered to Minnesota electric customers in the Upper Midwest.
- Lower costs for customer by accessing more low-cost renewable energy and reducing transmission line congestion.
- Reuse existing transmission infrastructure, limiting the need for new Right-of-Way and impacts to landowners in the area.
Typical Structures
Steel Monopole
Project Construction Schedule
- Filed Certificate of Need and Route Permit minor alteration with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission – Department of Commerce Energy Environmental Review and Analysis and Public Utilities Commission host public meetings to address Environmental Assessment scope: 2023
- Expected decision from Commission – Begin construction and install new circuit on western segment: 2024
- Install new circuit on eastern segment: 2025