Benton County Planning Commission approves MN Power 100 kV substation for Regal Solar project

On Jan. 8, 2026, the Benton County Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant File #25-381, a conditional use permit requested by ALLETE Inc., d/b/a MN Power, to build a 100 kV electrical substation associated with the Regal Solar project.

Staff presented a map and project details showing the substation will occupy a 3.4-acre area within a larger 40-acre parcel north of Rice and south of Royalton in West Langola Township. Roxanne Achman, identified as county staff, said the nearest residence is about 326 feet from the proposed site, most structures will be under roughly 25 feet with some equipment as tall as about 50 feet, and the site will be secured by an 8-foot chain-link fence topped with 1 foot of barbed wire. An Environmental Assessment for the overall 119.5 MW Regal Solar project was completed and accepted, the minutes state.

Alex Luman, representing MN Power, told the commission the company is seeking the conditional use permit because substations of 100 kV or greater require Board approval; he said the site was chosen to use existing transmission infrastructure. "Screening is not typical but if required screening can be included," Luman said, adding that construction-related impacts would be temporary and ongoing operation would draw far fewer visitors. He also said lighting would be directed downward and noise would meet Minnesota Pollution Control Agency standards.

Commissioners reviewed the required findings under Section 11.6 of the Benton County Development Code. They voted unanimously that the use would not create an excessive burden on parks, schools or other public facilities; that the project is sufficiently compatible with surrounding agricultural and residential uses; that the appearance is appropriate for a rural utility facility; that the use is consistent with existing land use and county code; and that it does not conflict with the county's Comprehensive Plan, including Environment & Natural Resources Goal #4: Energy, Policy #1: Clean Energy. Scott Johnson noted a wetland delineation completed in 2023 as part of the broader Regal Solar project found no wetlands within the substation site that would be affected.

Mike French, a project manager for ALLETE/MN Power working on interconnection, warned that trees within the transmission-line right-of-way are removed as part of necessary operation and said the applicant does not want to add trees in that right-of-way as a screening measure.

The Planning Commission adopted a set of development conditions that staff read into the record. Key conditions require that the conditional use permit run with the land and not be transferable; that the project be constructed according to submitted plans; and that the permit automatically expire one year after approval unless substantial progress has been made (with the Planning Commission able to grant a one-year extension upon request). The conditions also require county access for inspections, required land use and building permits before work begins, perimeter signage displaying contact information and electrical-hazard warnings, shielded downward-directed security lighting to minimize light spill, and coordination with the road authority regarding construction access and any necessary permits.

Chris Vannurden moved to accept the findings and conditions and grant File #25-381; Kevin Renslow seconded and the motion carried. The minutes record the decision as unanimous. The applicant was provided a copy of the findings, conditions and the decision.

The minutes also note that Commissioner Carol Anderson recused herself from consideration of this matter because MN Power is listed as a member of her organization, Community Development of Morrison County, and contributes to that organization's budget.