Minnesota Power

The meetings in Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Floodwood and online will cover Minnesota Power's proposed 67.5 miles of transmission line between Grand Rapids and Hermantown.

The city and Google jointly agreed to an updated alternative urban areawide review study with a smaller geographic footprint than last fall’s study.

The 110 investor-owned utilities included in the report had an average profit margin of 12.8% from 2021 to 2024 and 14.6% in 2025. Xcel and Otter Tail were in the top 40 both years.

City and power officials expressed optimism about the partnership slated to invest in clean energy and energy resiliency, while environmental advocates noted review is still required and necessary.

The Public Utilities Commission declined the request from environmental group CURE and said further discussion and regulation of data centers could take place in separate cases.

Minnesota Power and American Transmission Co. LLC are proposing to construct approximately 67.5 miles of transmission line between Grand Rapids and Hermantown.

Permit conditions require a detailed plan to address visual impacts to neighboring properties, and engagement with the Leech Lake Band on economic and workforce development opportunities.

Environmental organization CURE is asking the Public Utilities Commission to investigate the Minnesota Power sale further, given new information about data centers in the region.

KAXE covered natural disasters, federal funding chaos, Eichorn's arrest and resignation, mining permits and wild rice, library budget cuts, sheriffs teaming with ICE and more.

The sale of ALLETE closed Dec. 15, 2025. The Public Utilities Commission approved the controversial move in October.