Energy Connect representatives outline final PUC route, easement negotiations and construction timing through Meeker County

Scott Johnson, Accel Energy community relations manager, and Andrew Welch, land‑rights agent, presented an update on the Energy Connect (Double Circuit 345 kV) transmission project and took county questions on Sept. 2. Johnson said the PUC process selected the blue route as the preferred, ordered centerline and that the project extends roughly "175 to 180 miles" between Garvin (Lyon County) and the Sherco area (Sherburne/Becker). "The blue route is the route," Johnson said, adding that engineering can still adjust the alignment within a 1,000‑foot permitted corridor (a 150‑foot permanent right of way typically centered on the blue line).

Presenters summarized the permitting history: public input and scoping (early 2024), a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and subsequent ALJ findings, a verbal route order in April 2025 and a written route order in June 2025. Johnson said Xcel (Excel/Energy) is now working on engineering, geotechnical surveys and easement acquisition with a contractor (WSB) and expects to start easement acquisition in Meeker County this season. He said early construction is planned to begin in other counties in 2026 and that portions in Meeker County could see activity in 2027 depending on final scheduling.

Johnson and Welch addressed local questions about easement terms, compensation and alternatives. They said easements are negotiated property by property with appraisals and that options such as buying a parcel (“buy the farm”) exist but are rare. Welch said easements will include crop‑damage payments and tile repairs where needed and that landowners retain property ownership; easements grant Excel the right to build, operate and maintain the line.

The presenters described technical details familiar to landowners: single‑pole steel monopole structures (mostly monopoles with some two‑pole assemblies at angles), structure heights that vary with terrain (around 140 feet in many cases), mid‑span clearance engineered at least 35–40 feet above ground and double‑circuited wires on both circuits. They said construction methods will include crane set and a mix of helicopter and ground‑based stringing operations. Presenters said Quanta/MJ (construction contractors) and MJ Electric are the likely primary contractors.

Commissioners asked about local impacts: haul‑road agreements and township coordination, laydown yards (none currently planned in Meeker), effects on broadcasting and EMF concerns (presenters said they would investigate any broadcast concerns), and the location of a proposed Sunflower substation (presenters said a purchase agreement for the substation site is believed to be signed and offered to provide parcel confirmation to county staff). Johnson said Xcel will follow up on outstanding questions and coordinate with the county on haul roads and township notices.

No county approvals were requested at the meeting; the presentation was informational and focused on landowner outreach and easement negotiation.