Great River Energy, wholesale power supplier to Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative, owns the Le Sueur tap to St. Thomas tap switch 69-kV transmission line (MV-ST segment 3) in Le Sueur County. This 3.43-mile line, built in the early 1960s, runs east along County Road 11 (241st Ave) from the Le Sueur tap to the St. Thomas tap switch on 360th St. The rebuild will improve the reliability of the transmission system in the area and reduce risks associated with low voltage and transmission line overloading.
Great River Energy is planning to rebuild the transmission line along the existing corridor. This project will use existing rights. In some locations, deviations from the existing centerline may be necessary and may require new or amended easements which will be discussed with individual landowners.
The project starts at the St. Thomas tap switch located at the intersection of Le Sueur County Road 11 and 320th Street and runs south, approximately 3.4 miles, along the east side of Country Road 11 to the existing Le Sueur tap located at the intersection of County Road 11 and 330th Street.
The transmission line will be rebuilt using single wood poles generally 55 to 75 feet above ground, placed 200 to 400 feet apart. Poles will likely be in similar locations to existing. Directional changes or angles may require guy wires and anchors to stabilize poles. In certain situations, engineered laminated poles may be used.