MN Power, Great River Energy break ground on Northland Reliability Project

BECKER — Energy leaders and state officials gathered Oct. 9 for a groundbreaking celebration of the Northland Reliability Project at the Sherburne History Center.

The 180-mile, double-circuit capable 345-kV transmission line will extend from near Grand Rapids in Itasca County to near St. Cloud in Sherburne County.

The line largely follows existing transmission line corridors.

"The Northland Reliability Project will help maintain a reliable and resilient local and regional power grid as more renewable energy is brought online, existing power plants are retired, more homes and businesses shift to electricity to power appliances, equipment and heating and cooling systems, and more frequent extreme weather events occur," stated a release from Minnesota Power and Great River Energy.

The project will be jointly owned by Minnesota Power and Great River Energy, and it's the first major transmission initiative from Midcontinent Independent Operator, or MISO, the region's grid operator, to break ground.

“When it comes to the electric grid, we’re all in this together. This project will serve the greater good, with the reliability benefits extending far beyond the areas served by Minnesota Power and Great River Energy,” stated Josh Skelton, Minnesota Power chief operating officer, in the release.

“As the grid becomes increasingly renewable, transmission lines like this will continue to be the workhorses that move electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed. Reliability is a win for everyone, customers, small and large alike.”

Minnesota Power and Great River Energy hosted nearly 30 public open houses and stakeholder meetings to engage with landowners, local governments, agencies, tribal nations and tribal organizations. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved the project in January.

“The Commission is pleased to see the Northland Reliability Project moving forward, ensuring Minnesota’s energy system remains strong, reliable, and ready for the future,” stated Katie Sieben, chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Construction began this fall in Benton and Sherburne counties. Work on the northern segment will begin in 2026, with the route running through Itasca, Aitkin, Crow Wing and Morrison counties.

The transmission line is expected to be in service by 2030 and is estimated to cost more than $1 billion.

"The Northland Reliability Project fulfills a variety of needs. It allows us to deliver more clean, affordable homegrown electricity from where it is produced to where it is needed while enhancing the capacity, reliability, and resiliency of Minnesota’s electric system,” stated Pete Wyckhoff, deputy commissioner of energy resources at the Minnesota Department of Commerce.