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Public utilities

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission Issues Document on Xcel Energy's Proposed Transmission Line Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reviewed the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Mankato to Mississippi River Transmission Line project proposed by Xcel Energy. The agency has provided comments on the project, including route preferences and recommendations to mitigate potential impacts on native plant communities, state-administered lands, and public waters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources prefers Route Segment 17 (Hwy 14) to mitigate potential impacts on native plant communities, state-administered lands, and public waters.
  • The agency strongly encourages double-circuiting the final route as much as feasible to minimize long-term impacts on natural resources if Segment 17 is not selected.
  • The DNR highly discourages the use of route alternative 1J, which crosses multiple areas known for their waterfowl population, including Ballantyne, Duck, and Madison Lakes, and would create a hazard for bird populations.
  • Xcel Energy's proposed transmission line project is subject to a Certificate of Need and Route Permit.
  • The project is being reviewed under Docket Number: E-002/TL-23-157.
  • The comments provided by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are in response to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project.
  • The DNR has concerns about the potential impacts of the project on native plant communities, state-administered lands, and public waters.
  • The agency has recommended specific routes and design features to minimize the project's environmental impacts.

Statistics:

  • The proposed transmission line project will be a 345 kV transmission line.
  • The project spans several counties in southeast Minnesota.
  • The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has identified specific areas of concern, including native plant communities, state-administered lands, and public waters.
  • The agency has recommended a preferred route and alternative routes to minimize project impacts.
  • The Docket Number for the project is E-002/TL-23-157.

Sources:

  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources
  • Xcel Energy
  • Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, June 10, 2025 - RE: In the Matter of the Application of Xcel Energy for a Certificate of Need and Route Permit for the Mankato - Mississippi River 345 kV Transmission Line Project in Southeast Minnesota - E-002/TL-23-157.

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