Great River Energy, wholesale electric supplier to Meeker Energy, is proposing to build approximately four miles of new 115,000-volt (115-kilovolt or 115-kV) overhead transmission line in Maine Prairie and Luxemburg Townships in Stearns and Meeker Counties. The transmission line is needed to power a planned new Kimball Substation along Caldron Road so that Meeker Energy can continue to reliably serve its members’ electrical power needs.
This project will include the construction of approximately four miles of transmission line between Great River Energy’s existing ME-BW 115-kV transmission line and Meeker Energy’s new substation along Caldron Road in Maine Prairie Township. Direct-embedded steel structures with heights between 70 and 90 feet above grade and spans between 400 and 500 feet will be used for the transmission line.
Permitting/Environmental Approvals
The project requires a route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) before any construction activities can begin. The MPUC encourages outreach with nearby landowners, state and local agencies, and governments prior to submitting a route permit application. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 216I requires all route permit applications to include only one route. Landowner and agency input will affect which route alternative is proposed in the application.
If the MPUC issues a route permit, Great River will work with county, township and local authorities to acquire all approvals necessary to complete the work. Landowners along the proposed line route will also be contacted to discuss easement agreements, tree removal, construction access and practices, and restoration.
Route Permit Application
The Route Permit Application was filed on September 11, 2026. You can view the application and all related files at the links below.
Application Filing Letter and COS
Appendix A_Completeness Checklist
Appendix B_Detailed Route Maps
Appendix D_Agency Correspondence
Appendix E_Tribal Correspondence