Electric Transmission Planning in the State of Minnesota

Includes Becker, Beltrami, Clay, Clearwater, Kittson, Lake of the Woods, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, and Wilkin counties.

Detailed Northwest Planning Zone Map (PDF)

2007 Public Information Meeting

The public was invited to join representatives from area utilities in a planning meeting to discuss the electric transmission system in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Discussion focused on identifying problems with the existing system in meeting the demand for electricity in the area and possible solutions, including possible new transmission projects. A synopsis of public comments from the meeting will be included in a Biennial State Transmission Plan the utilities will submit to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). The plan will also include a list of transmission lines each utility is requesting certification from the MPUC to build. The MPUC will provide opportunity for public comment on the plan.

Public participation is an important part of the transmission planning process as we work together to ensure continued reliable service to Minnesota residents.

Issues Specific to This Zone

The following list contains some of the issues of possible voltage and overload problems in this zone along with proposed alternatives that would correct these situations. Please watch this page for updates on these issues.

Recent Northwest Improvements
- Oslo to Thief River Falls 115-kV transmission line
- Solway generator addition
- Capacitor bank additions (Wilton 24 MVAR, Bemidji 21.6 MVAR)
- Bemidji to Wilton 115-kV line reconductor
Otter Tail County Area
- Improvements needed for local load serving
- Construction of a new 11- kV line to the Pelican Turkey Plant (3 miles), addition of capacitor banks. New 230/41.6-kV substation between Fergus Falls and Henning in 2011
Donaldson and Karlstad Area
- Northwestern Minnesota and northeastern North Dakota load serving study
- Study underway to determine optimal method to serve regional load
Red River Valley/Western Minnesota Transmission Improvement Planning Study (RRV/WMN TIPS)
- Address voltage stability concerns in the Red River Valley
- Improve load serving capability in western Minnesota
- Reduce line loading in western Minnesota
- Study recommended Bemidji – Grand Rapids 230-kV line and Maple River (Fargo) – Alexandria – Monticello 345-kV line
Baudette Area
- Improvements needed to reliably serve local area load
- Proposed solution is the Lund Tap of the Moranville-Running 230-kV
transmission line

Additional comments or questions may be submitted by using the “Contact Us” link at the top of this web page.