Public Hearing for Transmission Line Project to be Held at the Golden Bubble on Nov. 12th

Public hearings are coming up next month on a major electric transmission project that would cross southern Minnesota.

Great River Energy, Xcel Energy and ITC Midwest have filed an application with the Minnesota Public Utilities commission for the PowerOn Midwest project.  It includes a 765 kilovolt transmission line connecting substations in Jackson, Mower and Olmsted counties.

A public hearing in Wells is scheduled for Thursday, November 12^th, from 5-8pm at the Golden Bubble, along Highway 22.  Other hearings are planned for Windom on November 10^th and Sherburn on November 12^th.

Utility companies say the project would improve electric reliability and connect new energy sources to the regional grid.  Opponents say too may questions remain about the project.

If approved, construction could begin by 2030, with the line expected to be operational in 2034.