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PowerOn Midwest

PowerOn Midwest

PowerOn Midwest Tomorrow's reliability starts today.

PowerOn Midwest is a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kV backbone transmission line being developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy. The projects will connect eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and the broader region, enhancing grid reliability in the Upper Midwest to meet growing and evolving energy needs in the coming decades.

Where and how we use and generate power is changing.

As large, aging power plants are retired in the coming years, we're shifting to other forms of generation that can be more flexible and scalable for our region's new energy needs.

Study area

This map shows the area that will be studied during the upcoming route development process. PowerOn Midwest will offer multiple opportunities for stakeholders, Tribal entities, landowners, and the public to provide input into the route development process.

Segments

Click or tap on the icons below to learn more about that segment.

Key benefits

  • Reliable electricity

    Delivers on our commitment to customers that electricity is delivered where and when it's needed—regardless of the weather, electric generation source, or demand.

  • Future-ready grid

    Addresses rising electricity demand, which is projected to grow significantly over the next two decades.

  • Customer and economic benefits

    Enables more cost-effective generation while improving reliability, opening doors for future economic growth across the region.

  • Access to new electric generation

    Supports a range of energy sources added to the grid, providing a balanced and reliable power supply for the future.

Preliminary schedule

Developing and building major new transmission lines is a multi-year process that begins with significant planning, which identifies general project areas, includes comprehensive outreach to local landowners and officials to explore potential route options, and involves a robust regulatory review by state officials. If approved, construction would begin in 2030, with segments expected to be in-service between 2032 and 2034.

As our schedule evolves, we will provide updated information.

  • 2025

    • Project planning
    • Initial stakeholder and public engagement

  • 2026-2027

    • File PowerOn Midwest Certificate of Need application with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)
    • Certificate of Need MPUC review process
    • Route development
    • File Route Permit applications with MPUC

  • 2027-2029

    • Route Permit MPUC review processes
    • Engineering design
    • Environmental surveys and permitting
    • Easement acquisition

  • 2030-2034

    • Ongoing easement acquisition
    • Pre-construction activities
    • Construction
    • Restoration

  • 2032-2034

    • Anticipated in-service
    *Individual segment in-service dates may vary
Explore the regulatory process

Get involved

We're early in the development process and your participation is vital. Check back often to learn about the many ways to get involved with PowerOn Midwest.

  • Stay informed

    Sign up for our mailing list to receive news and updates. Subscribe

  • Attend an event

    Join us at upcoming public open house meetings in the project area. View events

  • Connect with us

    Ask questions or request a presentation to your organization. Email the team

Working together to power our region.

Communities have always depended on us to provide reliable power every hour of every day. The power system is evolving and demand is rising, but you can count on us to continue to keep the power on and the grid ready for our region's growth and success.

Great River Energy ITC Midwest Otter Tail Power Company Xcel Energy
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