RPU Board Approves Major Regional Power Grid Investment

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Rochester Public Utilities is taking an ownership stake in a major power transmission line project in the region.

RPU General Manager Tim McCollough discussed the project and the necessity of upgrading our nation’s power transmission systems during his regular monthly appearance with Andy Brownell on the Rochester Today Show on KROC-AM and 96.9 FM.

Listen to the entire interview by clicking on the link below.

McCollough explained that the planned 345 kV transmission line from Mankato to the Mississippi River is needed to address congestion problems in the regional power grid. The project is being led by Xcel Energy through the Grid North Partnership (previously known as CapX2020), which also includes RPU, the Rochester-based Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, and Dairyland Power Cooperative.

Power Grid Upgrades Needed to Address Congestion

According to McCollough, the ability to move energy from one place to another sets the price of electricity, and congestion in the system results in higher prices. The new Mankato–Mississippi River high-voltage transmission line would alleviate some of the congestion created by the increased demand for electrical power, the addition of new generation from renewable sources, and the retirement of older generation sources, such as coal-fired power plants.

Improve Reliability

He likened it to the upgrade of the interstate highway system built across the U.S. in the 1950s and 1960s. McCollough says changes to the nation's "energy landscape" require the construction of new "interstates" for energy. Besides adding capacity to move more electricity to where it is needed, McCollough says upgrading the power transmission system will increase reliability by making it more resilient to weather impacts.

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Construction Expected to Begin in 2026

Planning for the new Mankato–Mississippi River transmission line project has been underway for the past decade. McCollough says the goal is to begin construction next year and complete the work in 2028. Rochester Public Utilities' overall investment in the project is about $33.2 million. The RPU Board met Tuesday and voted unanimously to approve a Joint Development Agreement covering the municipal utility's involvement.