Energy providers to meet growing electricity needs by adding to key Upper Midwest transmission line

Second circuit of Fargo to Alexandria project to be added to existing infrastructure along I-94

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A proposed power line expansion along Interstate 94 from North Dakota to central Minnesota will maintain a reliable electric grid by meeting the region's growing electricity needs and continuing to improve reliability and save energy users' money by accessing low-cost power.

On Jan. 15, five Upper Midwest energy companies applied to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for a Certificate of Need to add a second transmission line circuit to the existing power line that runs primarily along Interstate 94 between Fargo and Alexandria. The line was originally built as part of the CapX2020 project, which was completed in 2015. All new infrastructure, including up to 100 new structures, will be added within the existing project right-of-way, minimizing impacts to landowners.

Project participants include Missouri River Energy Services (MRES), Great River Energy, Minnesota Power, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy.

"We designed the original transmission line with the future in mind by building infrastructure that could be expanded when our customers and electric cooperative members needed it," the energy providers said. "We will soon expand this important project without affecting any new landowners, limiting our overall impact while saving money for our customers and electric cooperative members throughout the region."

The Fargo-to-Alexandria second-circuit project will help enhance electric reliability and improve system resiliency in the Upper Midwest. To support economic growth in the region, energy providers have added new generation sources to serve customers in recent years. High-voltage transmission lines increase capacity to help deliver those resources from where they are generated to where they are used.

Planning for future needs
The way energy companies generate electricity and provide service to customers and members of municipal utilities and electric cooperatives is changing, and new transmission lines like the Fargo-to-Alexandria project help meet the region's needs. The project, along with other transmission lines in the region under development, will provide additional system resilience to deliver electricity during the hottest days of summer, coldest days of winter, and throughout extreme weather seen in the Upper Midwest. These projects will integrate new generation resources, strengthen the grid and continue delivering reliable, low-cost electricity.

The PUC review process typically takes about a year and includes opportunities for input from customers, landowners, and other stakeholders. If approved, construction could begin in 2028, with the line expected to be placed in service around 2032. Similar applications will be filed in North Dakota with the Public Service Commission in early 2026.

Learn more about the Fargo to Alexandria project.  

About Missouri River Energy Services and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA)

MRES has a formal relationship with WMMPA through which WMMPA finances the construction and acquisition of the generation and transmission facilities for MRES members. MRES provides the administrative services to manage WMMPA's portfolios. WMMPA was incorporated on June 16, 1976, as a municipal corporation and political subdivision of Minnesota. WMMPA's membership includes most of the Minnesota members of MRES.

To learn more about MRES, visit mrenergy.com.

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For more information, please contact MRES Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Alex Abplanalp at 605-338-4042 or [email protected].