MN Energy Connection

Project Overview

Minnesota Energy Connection

Project will deliver new renewable energy to customers to replace retiring coal plants.

Xcel Energy has received approval to build a new double-circuit 345-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the retiring Sherco coal plant near Becker, Minn., and Lyon County in southwest Minn. The new transmission infrastructure is designed to enable more than 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy to replace the electricity produced by the existing coal plants. The new transmission line will re-use the existing grid connections in Becker, opening a path for new renewable energy in the wind-rich southern and southwest Minnesota regions. Xcel Energy must meet federal requirements to re-use the grid connections when the final coal unit retires or may lose the ability to connect energy there to serve customers.

Project Resources

Visit mnenergyconnection.com (External Link) (Opens in a new window) Project Information Sheet (Opens in a new window) Route Permit Application As Filed (Opens in a new window) MPUC Approved Route Permit (Opens in a new window) Transmission Line Construction (Opens in a new window) Safety around Power Lines (Opens in a new window) Birds and Power Lines (Opens in a new window) Powerlines and Electric & Magnetic Fields (Opens in a new window)

Current Status - May 2026

The Minnesota Energy Connection project is beginning construction activities as part of Xcel Energy’s broader effort to strengthen grid reliability and expand access to renewable energy across the region. The project has received approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, marking a significant step forward in the siting and permitting process.

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the project in mid-2025 and approved some minor route amendments in early 2026. With final approvals in place, the project is moving into final design, land rights acquisition, and construction activities. Ongoing engagement with landowners, communities, and state agencies remains a priority to address questions, incorporate feedback where feasible, and ensure transparency throughout the process.

Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2026, beginning in the central portion of the project and progressing towards Garvin in 2026-2027. Timelines are being refined, with work expected to proceed in phases.

Project Details

The project is 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.
The new power line will make it possible to build new renewable energy, creating jobs in the communities where the infrastructure is located. New wind and solar projects will also bring new tax revenue and lease payments for landowners.

*Exact dates are subject to change based on progress and project conditions.

Typical Structures

Steel Monopole

Project Timeline

We will file a Certificate of Need with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and begin working with local governments and landowners around the same timeframe. We expect the Commission to take 12-18 months to review the Certificate of Need application while we develop route options to be included in a separate Route Permit application: Early 2023
We expect to file a Route Permit application which will also take 12-18 months to review: Late summer/early fall 2023
If both applications are approved, we expect to begin purchasing easements from landowners: 2025 - 2026
Build the project: 2026 - 2028