To maintain a reliable, resilient and flexible grid for customers and communities, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company, and Great River Energy are investing in transmission infrastructure. The MR-C Transmission Project is an important part of supporting and strengthening the grid as the demand for energy grows, more renewable energy comes online and the nation makes strides toward a clean-energy future.
About The Project
A new, approximately 160-mile-long, single-circuit 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line on double-circuit capable structures from Minnesota Power’s Cuyuna Substation near Riverton, Minnesota, to Otter Tail Power’s Maple River Substation near Fargo, North Dakota. Approximately 95% of the Project will be in Minnesota.
Project Need
The MR-C Transmission Project is one 24 projects approved in December 2024 by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. It is part of the second phase of the regional grid operator’s Long-Range Transmission Planning known as Tranche 2.1.
As a part of this larger portfolio, the MR-C Transmission Project will:
- Enhance the reliability of the regional transmission system as the way we produce and use electricity changes
- Increase transmission system capacity to reliably deliver energy from where it’s produced to where it’s used
- Meet growing electrical demand and enhance resiliency during extreme weather events
- Enable cost-effective regional energy transfers supporting economical grid operations
Project Interactive Map
Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company and Great River Energy are considering possible routes within the Project Study Area shown on the map. The goal is to locate the project parallel or within existing high-voltage transmission line corridors to the extent possible. Minnesota and North Dakota laws guide the route development process to help minimize impacts on people and the environment. Your input will be critical as we develop our route proposals.
Click on the map or type in an address to see the potential routes in relation to a specific property.
Project Timeline
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