Delivering power where it’s needed—especially across rural areas and in a demanding Minnesota climate—is no easy task. It requires years of planning, community engagement, and coordination across agencies and utilities.

That effort is now taking shape with the launch of the Northland Reliability Project, a joint initiative by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power. Phase one of the project, officially underway as of October 8, marks the beginning of a major regional upgrade to the electric transmission system—aimed at strengthening the grid, preventing outages, and supporting long-term energy needs.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held at the Sherburne History Center in Becker, celebrated the start of construction on a new 345-kilovolt double-circuit transmission line—essentially a big, new power highway. Spanning roughly 180 miles and six counties—from the Iron Range in Itasca County down through Central Minnesota—the line represents the backbone of a larger, multi-phase infrastructure plan.

Officials from Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) were in attendance, sharing a vision of a more reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy future for the state.

“This is more than just the start of construction,” said Priti Patel, Vice President and Chief Transmission Officer for Great River Energy. “It’s a promise—to our members, to the state, and to the future—that we are building something that will serve the safety and reliability of Minnesotans for decades to come.”

Approved by the PUC earlier this year, the project carries an estimated cost of $970 million to $1.3 billion and is expected to be fully operational by 2030.

So, what does this investment mean for Minnesotans? Alongside improved grid stability and fewer outages, speakers at the event emphasized the economic ripple effects.

“At its core, reliability is the foundation for economic development,” said Josh Skelton, Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota Power. “The businesses we serve today—and those we hope to serve in the future—require a steady supply of energy—and lots of it.”

Brian Tulloh, executive with MISO—the regional grid operator serving Minnesota and 14 other states—added: “This project means connecting people and businesses across the state with the power they need to thrive.”

The project also aligns with Minnesota’s clean energy goals. Katie Sieben, Chair of the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, emphasized the environmental benefits, noting that the improved transmission system could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 million metric tons annually—roughly equal to the energy use of 2.7 million homes.

“As we transition to more renewable energy, lines like this are essential,” Sieben said. “They allow us to bring more wind, solar, and natural gas projects onto the grid.”

The Northland Reliability Project is one of several regional efforts aimed at modernizing the Midwest’s electric infrastructure in the face of increasing demand, aging systems, and climate pressures.

For Minnesota, the message at the ceremony was clear: a stronger, smarter grid isn’t just a vision—it’s a necessity.

And with the shovels now in the ground, that vision is starting to take shape.