Xcel Energy’s New Transmission Line Set to Transform Minnesota Power Grid

Saint Cloud, MN, USA / KNSI Apr 11, 2025 | 2:43 PM – Xcel Energy is poised to begin construction on the highly anticipated Minnesota Energy Connection, a transmission line expected to facilitate the delivery of 4,000 megawatts of renewable energy, enough to power over a million homes. Slated for construction in early 2026, the 175-mile line will stretch from southwest Minnesota to the Sherco facility in Sherburne County, helping to offset the closure of coal-fired generators in Becker.

The transmission line will primarily carry electricity generated from wind and solar farms in the region. Xcel Energy has also recently secured the necessary approvals for a natural gas plant in Lyon County, ensuring a reliable source of base load power as the renewable energy market continues to grow.

Sandra Long, senior vice president of transmission at Xcel Energy, emphasized the impact of the project on local customers. “This new transmission line will allow our customers to further tap into our local energy resources to power their homes and expand their businesses, helping them meet their own goals,” Long stated.

With the final route approved, Xcel Energy’s engineering team will now begin detailed designs for the infrastructure. The company is also in the final stages of negotiations with landowners to purchase easements along the proposed route, which are essential for proceeding with construction.

The project is expected to conclude by 2028, with additional substation construction anticipated to extend until 2031. The line’s completion signifies a substantial investment in the Becker community and positions southwest Minnesota for further investments in renewable energy infrastructure.

In a related development, Xcel Energy has received approval for a natural gas-fired power plant located near the line’s southern endpoint in Lyon County. This facility aims to provide a stable energy supply while the renewable energy capacity expands.