Project Details

Docket Numbers
Project Name
Gopher to Badger Link
Applicant
Xcel Energy, Dairyland Power Cooperative
Location
Description

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.

Status
active

Project Contact

Contact
Logan Hicks
Phone

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
Title
Description
2/10/2026
Certificate of Need Application

Docket Documents

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