More than 250 people attended an open house Tuesday at the Golden Bubble Event Center outside Wells to learn about the proposed PowerOn Midwest transmission project.
The project would build a 765 kilovolt power line connecting eastern South Dakota, Southern Minnesota and Rochester to meet growing regional energy demand. Project leaders say electricity use in Minnesota could increase by 25% over the next two decades.
Many landowners raised concerns about potential impacts on property values, farmer operations, livestock, noise and the possible use of eminent domain. Others questioned whether the project primarily benefits large energy users.
PowerOn Midwest officials say the transmission line is designed to meet regional energy needs, not serve a single customer. Project developers will review public feedback before identifying a preferred route later this summer. If approved, construction could begin in 2030, with the line entering service by 2034.
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