Project Details
A Certificate of Need Application has been filed by Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative for the proposed Gopher to Badger Link Project. The Gopher to Badger Link Project would involve constructing two new 765-kV high-voltage electric transmission lines across Minnesota as part of a broader proposed regional transmission network connecting Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Project Contact
Project Summary
In Minnesota, the Gopher to Badger Link Project would include 2 segments: 1. Segment 1: A single-circuit 765 kV high voltage transmission line that would be approximately 34 miles between the existing North Rochester Substation1 and a point near Marion, Minnesota. This portion of the route will use lattice structures to support the transmission line, which will be placed 1,100 to 1,300 feet apart, will typically be 150 to 175 feet tall, and will generally require a 250-foot-wide right-of-way. 2. Segment 2: A 765 kV/161 kV double-circuit high voltage transmission line that would be approximately 105 miles from near Marion, Minnesota, to the Wisconsin border. Segment 2 also includes a new three-circuit breaker 161 kV switching station at a location to be identified in Houston County, Minnesota, as well as minor upgrades at existing 161 kV substations to support operation of the new Project facilities. This portion of the route will use lattice structures to support the transmission line which will be placed 1,200 to 1,500 feet apart, and will typically be 150 to 199 feet tall, and will generally require a 250-foot-wide right-of-way.
Interactive Map
Key Project Documents
Date
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Title
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Description
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|---|---|---|
2/10/2026
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Certificate of Need Application
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Docket Documents
View Project Documents (last 30) View All Project Documents
| Date | Document ID | On Behalf Of | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 18, 2026 | 20262-228282-01 | PUC | Batch 1 02182026 - 8 Comments |
| February 17, 2026 | 20262-228222-01 | PUC | 25-121 Batch 1 02172026 - 10 Comments |
| February 17, 2026 | 20262-228222-02 | PUC | 25-121 Batch 2 02172026 - 6 Comments |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228153-01 | PUC | Sean Connor |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228151-01 | PUC | Kevin Hammel |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228150-01 | PUC | Dayva Goetzinger |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228146-01 | PUC | Alexandra Gara |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228145-01 | PUC | Julya Boone |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228144-01 | PUC | Dianne Welscher |
| February 13, 2026 | 20262-228142-01 | PUC | Dayva Goetzinger |
| February 12, 2026 | 20262-228111-02 | PUC | Amy Halverson |
| February 12, 2026 | 20262-228111-03 | PUC | Alexandra Gara |
| February 12, 2026 | 20262-228111-01 | PUC | Jenna Bauer |
| February 11, 2026 | 20262-228041-01 | PUC | on Application Completeness |
| February 10, 2026 | 20262-227995-02 | PUC | Phillip Nicklay |
| February 10, 2026 | 20262-227995-03 | PUC | Zumbro Township |
| February 10, 2026 | 20262-227995-01 | PUC | Nicole Karl |
| February 8, 2026 | 20262-227942-01 | PUC | Dale Thomforde |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-12 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix F.2 Dairyland 2024 Annual Electric Utility Forecast Reports PUBLIC |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-02 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Gopher to Badger Link Certificate of Need Application |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-03 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix A Completeness Checklist |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-08 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix E Planning Analyses - PUBLIC |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-15 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Gopher to Badger Summary of Certificate of Need Filing |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-13 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix G Demand Side Management and Conservation |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-04 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix B MPUC Notice Plan and Exemption Order |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-05 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix C Technical Diagrams |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-10 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix F.1 Xcel Energy July 2025 Annual Electric Utility Forecast Reports PUBLIC |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-01 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | 2026-02-06 Gopher to Badger CN Application Filing Letter |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-14 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix H Outreach Materials |
| February 6, 2026 | 20262-227902-06 | Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative | Appendix D Xcel Energy Revenue Requirements |