Tranche 2.1 Transmission Projects
Midcontinent Independent Service Operator (MISO) approved the Tranche 2.1 group of projects on Dec. 12, 2024. The package of projects consists of about $21 billion in transmission expansion that would create a 765-kV backbone across its Midwest region.
About the project
MISO’s Tranche 2 proposal builds on the Tranche 1 plan that was approved by the grid operator’s board in mid-2022. The Tranche 1 projects in Minnesota have either already been permitted or in the permitting process. In addition to the Tranche 2.1 projects, MISO also approved the $1.7 billion Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue (JTIQ) projects along MISO’s boarder with the Southwest Power Pool.
The Tranche 2.1 plan is designed to handle what MISO expects its system will look like in 2042. The goal of the Tranche 2.1 and the JTIQ projects is to relieve congestion and allow more Minnesota-generated electricity to be part of the system.
How to comment
We welcome and encourage public participation by making a comment.
Landowner Rights
If a utility company plans to build transmission lines on or near your property, understanding your rights as a landowner is essential.
Map of project
Projects under consideration
Bison to Alexandria
This project includes the construction of a new 345 kV transmission circuit on mostly existing transmission line structures from the existing Bison Substation near Fargo, North Dakota to the existing Alexandria Substation in Alexandria, Minnesota. The existing 345 kV structures were previously permitted and constructed as double-circuit capable as part of the Fargo – St. Cloud 345 kV Transmission Project.
Maple River to Cuyuna
This project includes the construction of a new 345 kV double-circuit transmission line, initially operated as a single circuit, extending from Minnesota Power’s Cuyuna Substation in Crow Wing County, Minnesota, to Otter Tail Power Company’s Maple River Substation in Cass County, North Dakota.
Iron Range to St. Louis County to Arrowhead
This project includes the construction of a new 345 kV single- and double-circuit transmission line, which is split into three segments. Segment one consists of 32.7 miles of new 345 kV line along existing right-of-way from the Iron Range Substation to the north of the St. Louis River in St. Louis County. Segment two consists of approximately 33.3 miles of existing 230 kV HVTL with 345 kV HVTL from north of the St. Louis River in St. Louis County to Minnesota Power's St. Louis County Substation in Solway Township. Segment three consists of 1.5 miles of new 345 kV HVTL from St. Louis County Substation to the ATC Arrowhead Substation in Hermantown, Minnesota.
Big Stone South to Brookings to Lakefield Junction
This project includes the construction of a new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across southern Minnesota from Big Stone South to Brookings to Lakefield Junction that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The project also may include modifications and/or expansions of an existing substation.
Lakefield Junction to East Adair Iowa
This project includes the construction of a new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across southern Minnesota from The Lakefield Junction to East Adair Iowa that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The project also may include modifications and/or expansions of an existing substation.
Lakefield Junction to Pleasant Valley to North Rochester
Project details coming soon.
North Rochester to Columbia
This project includes the construction new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across southern Minnesota from North Rochester to Columbia that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The project also may include modifications and/or expansions of an existing substation.
Pleasant Valley - North Rochester - Hampton Corner
This project includes the construction new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines across southern Minnesota from North Rochester to Columbia that will be part of a 765 kV path connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin. The project also may include modifications and/or expansions of an existing substation.