PowerOn Midwest - Great River Energy

PowerOn Midwest

PowerOn Midwest is a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kV backbone transmission line being developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy. The projects will connect eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and the broader region, enhancing grid reliability in the Upper Midwest to meet growing and evolving energy needs in the coming decades.

Where and how we use and generate power is changing. As large, aging power plants are retired in the coming years, we’re shifting to other forms of generation that can be more flexible and scalable for our region’s new energy needs.

Demand is growing. As communities modernize and new technologies emerge, our grid must grow stronger and more flexible.

Electricity powers everything. From farming to healthcare to digital learning, our communities run on reliable energy.

Ready for what comes next. Our electric grid is under more stress than ever due to extreme weather, increasing demand, and aging infrastructure. Strengthening our transmission grid is essential to keep the power flowing where and when we need it most.

This forward-looking transmission line project is designed to meet tomorrow’s challenges by strengthening the grid for the entire region. It means more reliable electricity, more capacity for economic growth, and a more resilient system that is designed to withstand extreme weather events.

Learn more about PowerOn Midwest

Schedule
  • 2025
    Project planning, initial stakeholder and public engagement
  • 2026-2027
    File Certificate of Need application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, route development, file Route Permit applications with the MPUC
  • 2027-2029
    Route Permit MPUC review processes, engineering design, environmental surveys and permitting, easement acquisition
  • 2030-2034
    Ongoing easement acquisition, construction, restoration
  • 2032-2034
    Anticipated in-service
Media Contacts
Lori Buffington
Phone: 763-445-5714