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Officials briefed on PowerOn Midwest 765 kV transmission plan; public meetings scheduled in June
Summary
An Xcel Energy representative told Murray County commissioners about the multi-state PowerOn Midwest proposal for a 765 kV backbone line; an impact study is due in June, and an environmental impact statement is planned for fall 2026 with public meetings on route options in June.
Randy Fordice of Xcel Energy briefed the Murray County Board of Commissioners on May 19 about PowerOn Midwest, a multi-state initiative to strengthen electric transmission in the Upper Midwest.
Fordice said the plan envisions a 765 kilovolt backbone line running from Big Stone, South Dakota, toward Rochester, Minnesota and into Wisconsin, developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy. He said an independent impact study has been contracted and that results will be available in June, with an environmental impact statement scheduled for completion in fall 2026.
Fordice described the 765 kV system as the first of its kind in Minnesota and said it is intended to enhance grid reliability while reducing land use and electrical line loss. He said permitting is anticipated to be complete by late 2028, with construction planned for roughly 2030–2032 and in-service availability around 2034. Fordice emphasized the project goal of identifying the least-impactful route option and noted that route-option and public-feedback meetings are scheduled in June; he said the county can expect materials and opportunities for public comment during the permitting process.
No county action was taken on the presentation; commissioners received the briefing as part of updates to local officials.
