Northland Reliability 345 kV Transmission Line Project
Project Details
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy propose to construct approximately 140 miles of new double-circuit 345 kV transmission line and to replace approximately 40 miles of existing transmission line with double-circuit 345 kV transmission line. The project would connect the existing Iron Range substation, near Grand Rapids, Minn., to a new Big Oaks substation near Monticello, Minn.
Project Contact
Project Summary
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy (applicants) propose to construct approximately 140 miles of new double-circuit 345 kV transmission line and to replace approximately 40 miles of existing transmission line with double-circuit 345 kV transmission line. The project would connect the existing Iron Range substation, near Grand Rapids, Minn., to a new Big Oaks substation near Monticello, Minn.
The project requires a certificate of need (CN) and route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission). A CN and a route permit must be issued by the Commission before construction of the project may begin. Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) staff will prepare an environmental assessment for the project on behalf of the Commission. Public meetings and public hearings will be held for the project.
The applicants anticipate obtaining a CN and route permit from the Commission in 2024, with project construction beginning in 2025.
Interactive Map
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Key Project Documents
| Date | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2025 | Order granting Certificate of Need and Issu | In the Matter of the Application of Minnesota Power and Great River Energy for a Certificate of Need and Route Permit for an Approximately 180-mile, Double Circuit 345-kV Transmission Line |
| November 8, 2024 | Administrative Law Judge Report -- Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Recommendation | The final report of the Administrative Law Judge. It includes written comments, filings, and testimony provided at public hearings. The report also provides recommendations regarding the project. The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will use the report in making certificate of need and route permit decisions. |
| July 1, 2024 | Environmental Assessment Documents - Northland Reliability Project | Environmental Assessment document that includes appendices and maps. |
| August 4, 2023 | Combined Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application | The combined certificate of need and route permit application for the proposed Northland Reliability Project |
Docket Documents
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| Date | Title | On Behalf Of | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 27, 2025 | 20256-220449-01 | PUC | Sherburne Cty Board of Commissioners_Outside Comment Period |
| June 27, 2025 | 20256-220449-01 | PUC | Sherburne Cty Board of Commissioners_Outside Comment Period |
| June 26, 2025 | 20256-220327-01 | PUC | Concerning pre-construction compliance documents filed by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power on May 21, 2025, and June 13, 2025, in connection with the Northland Reliability Project in Aitkin, Benton, Crow Wing, Itasca, Morrison, and Sherburne counties. |
| June 26, 2025 | 20256-220327-01 | PUC | Concerning pre-construction compliance documents filed by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power on May 21, 2025, and June 13, 2025, in connection with the Northland Reliability Project in Aitkin, Benton, Crow Wing, Itasca, Morrison, and Sherburne counties. |
| June 18, 2025 | 20256-219999-01 | DOC EERA | EERA Compliance Review Letter and Comments June 18, 2025 |
| June 18, 2025 | 20256-219999-01 | DOC EERA | EERA Compliance Review Letter and Comments June 18, 2025 |
| June 13, 2025 | 20256-219890-01 | Minnesota Power and Great River Energy | Pre-Construction Meeting and Third-Party Monitor Compliance Filing |
| May 21, 2025 | 20255-219161-01 | Great River Energy and Minnesota Power | 2025-05-21 GRE_NRP_Benton Substation_Construction_RP 6.7 Compliance Filing |
| May 13, 2025 | 20255-218907-01 | PUC | Jean Johnson |
| May 13, 2025 | 20255-218907-01 | PUC | Jean Johnson |
| May 2, 2025 | 20255-218654-01 | PUC | Received Outside Comment Period- Nancy and Jerry Doucette |
| May 2, 2025 | 20255-218654-01 | PUC | Received Outside Comment Period- Nancy and Jerry Doucette |
| April 29, 2025 | 20254-218276-01 | Minnesota Power and Great River Energy | 60-Day Cost Compliance Filing |
| April 29, 2025 | 20254-218276-01 | Minnesota Power and Great River Energy | 60-Day Cost Compliance Filing |
| April 9, 2025 | 20254-217424-01 | PUC | January 23, 2025 Agenda |
| April 9, 2025 | 20254-217424-01 | PUC | January 23, 2025 Agenda |
| March 28, 2025 | 20253-216981-01 | Minnesota Power and Great River Energy | Route Permit Mailing, Complaint Procedures, Field Representative, and AIMP |
| March 17, 2025 | 20253-216479-01 | PUC | LETTER TO GREAT RIVER ENERGY |
| March 14, 2025 | 20253-216435-01 | DOC EERA | EERA Review and Recommendation - Compliance Filing: Route Permit Section 6.6 (Cherry Park Substation Vegetation Clearing before Construction) |
| March 13, 2025 | 20253-216383-01 | Great River Energy | NRP_Cherry Park Vegetation Removal Compliance Filing |
| March 10, 2025 | 20253-216221-01 | Minnesota Department of Agriculture | |
| February 28, 2025 | 20252-215918-01 | PUC | ORDER GRANTING CERTIFICATE OF NEED AND ISSUING ROUTE PERMIT |
| February 28, 2025 | 20252-215918-01 | PUC | ORDER GRANTING CERTIFICATE OF NEED AND ISSUING ROUTE PERMIT |
| February 27, 2025 | 20252-215928-01 | Shaddix & Associates, Stenographic Court Reporters | PUC Proceeding held on 1-23-25 |
| February 27, 2025 | 20252-215928-01 | Shaddix & Associates, Stenographic Court Reporters | PUC Proceeding held on 1-23-25 |
| January 30, 2025 | 20251-214689-01 | PUC | Corbyn Knotts |
| January 30, 2025 | 20251-214687-02 | PUC | Corbyn Knotts |
| January 30, 2025 | 20251-214688-01 | PUC | Matthew Mielke |
| January 30, 2025 | 20251-214688-01 | PUC | Matthew Mielke |
| January 30, 2025 | 20251-214687-01 | PUC | Jeffrey Glover |