New London 69-kV transmission line reroute (postponed indefinitely) - Great River Energy

New London 69-kV transmission line reroute (postponed indefinitely)

This project has been postponed indefinitely

Great River Energy, wholesale electric supplier to Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, is proposing a 4-mile relocation of an overhead 69-kV (69,000 volt) transmission line. The project will replace 7 miles of aging transmission line built in 1948 and supply a more reliable looped electric service to Kandiyohi Power Cooperative’s Prairie Woods Substation located on County Road 40 in New London. This project is an extension of a required transmission line relocation to accommodate the Minnesota Hwy 23 four-lane expansion.

Replacing and relocating the existing transmission line is a priority project for Great River Energy. The current line has limited emergency and maintenance access including significant elevation changes, narrow strips of land, wetlands and a river crossing. This relocation will implement modern construction and accessibility standards and lead to improved reliability for the area.

The proposed relocation begins west of the intersection of MN Highway 23 and 199th Avenue NE. Initially, the route runs along the west side of MN Highway 23 then crossing to the east. At MN Highway 9 the route turns north to Kandiyohi County Road 40 then west to the Prairie Woods Substation.

Transmission line construction will generally use single wood or steel poles 70 to 80 feet above ground, placed 350 to 400 feet apart. Specialty poles may be required. Directional changes or angles require guy wires and anchors to stabilize poles.

Quick facts
  • Length: 4 miles
  • Voltage: 69 kV
  • Structures: Wood poles
  • Spans: 350 to 400 feet apart
  • Right of way: 70-foot-wide right of way; 35-feet on each side of the centerline
Schedule
  • Open house
    Great River Energy held an open house July 15, 2021. Great River Energy is currently reviewing public input on the project.
Project Contacts
Dale Aukee
Great River Energy
Phone: (612)840-4019
Marsha Parlow
Great River Energy
Phone: 612-345-1212
Media Contacts
Lori Buffington
Phone: 763-445-5714
Twitter: @lbuffing