Minnesota benefits from historic electric grid investment
Minnesota's electric grid is slated for a $2 billion upgrade.
The investment is part of a $10 billion grid expansion in the Midwest by the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator. It’s the largest grid investment in U.S. history. Minnesota Project locations will be in Alexandria, Benton County and Rochester.
The investment will lead to more reliable electricity and create jobs, said Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Grace Arnold.
The investment will also relieve congestion in the grid that's prevented renewable energy projects from moving forward.
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
"We want to recognize that there are wind projects in southern Minnesota that have been curtailed because of the transmission line congestion,” Arnold said. “Local renewable development projects in solar have been put on hold because there isn't enough capacity in these lines to get those energy resources into the market."
A bigger, more efficient grid is essential to adequately provide power to customers in the future, and make the area attractive to newcomers, too, said Michael Lamb, Xcel Energy's Senior Vice President of transmission.
"We've seen this state, our region grow and change. With new transmission lines, we'll continue that path of steady growth,” he said.
Construction will take years. The first step is getting public feedback, said Lamb.