Minn. Power files for new transmission line
Minnesota Power has asked state regulators to approve plans to build a new, 240-mile high-voltage transmission line from the Canadian border to Minnesota's Iron Range.
The Duluth-based utility filed the request Monday with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.
The proposed Great Northern Transmission Line would bring hydroelectric power from Manitoba into northern Minnesota.
The PUC will decide if Minnesota Power's project is needed by its customers. The Duluth News Tribune reports the agency already has approved the utility's plan to purchase electricity from Manitoba Hydro.
The dams that would harness the northern Manitoba rivers haven't been built. Manitoba Hydro also must build a transmission line for the dams to the Minnesota border.
The Minnesota power-line project would cost about $500 million. Minnesota Power hopes to begin construction in 2016.
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