Proposed Transmission Line Faces Opposition in Southeastern Minnesota A proposed high-voltage transmission project is encountering resistance from landowners in southeastern Minnesota as Xcel Energy and Dairyland Power Cooperative advance through planning and state review. The proposed Gopher-Badger Link would incorporate approximately 139 miles of transmission infrastructure within Minnesota, stretching from the North Rochester Substation near

Controversy Surrounds Proposed Transmission Line Through Fillmore and Houston Counties A high-voltage transmission line project has sparked debate in communities within Fillmore and Houston counties as utility companies seek approval to enhance the regional electric grid. The MariBell Transmission Project, a segment of the larger Gopher-to-Badger Link extending from Minnesota towards Wisconsin, aims to establish

YouTube video by More Perfect Union

YouTube video by More Perfect Union

Minnesota Power is in a position now where it could skip the gas leg of the transition, moving directly from coal to renewables+storage. But it doesn’t seem interested in making that leap.

The former industry insider and amateur wrestler Mark Ellis is exposing the little-known factors that electricity bills and threaten the energy transition. People across the country are starting to listen.

Tell the MN PUC to REJECT the Sale of ALLETE/Minnesota Power to Private Equity

Minnesota Electric Cooperatives Address Rising Demand and Costs BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – Minnesota electric cooperatives are confronting escalating infrastructure expenses, increased electricity demand, and significant shifts in the national energy sector. Consequently, maintaining affordability and reliability were primary topics of discussion at the Minnesota Rural Electric Association’s Energy Issues Summit held August 5-6 in Bloomington, Minnesota.

Fillmore County Officials Present Plans for New Transmission Line Fillmore County heard detailed plans for a significant power transmission project during a county board meeting on May 5. The project, tentatively named the Maribell Transmission Line, aims to connect Marion, Minnesota, to the Mississippi River, spanning a distance of 105 miles. The undertaking involves replacing

Runestone Electric Association held its annual meeting on Wednesday, April 22, at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center. During the meeting, board seats in Districts 3, 6, and 7 were determined. Due to the absence of opposing candidates, Jon Winter (District 3), Joel Seela (District 6), and Matthew Mattson (District 7) were reelected

Runestone Electric Association held its annual meeting on April 22 at the Alexandria Area High School Performing Arts Center. Elections for board members in Districts 3, 6, and 7 were conducted, resulting in the reelection of Jon Winter, Joel Seela, and Matthew Mattson. The elections were uncontested and confirmed by acclimation, adhering to cooperative bylaws.

Minnesota Power’s Energy Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Fossil Fuel Investments ST. PAUL, Minn. – Clean Grid Alliance, Fresh Energy, Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, and Sierra Club jointly submitted comments to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regarding Minnesota Power’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). The organizations contend that Minnesota Power needs to strengthen its commitment to

Power Transmission Line Route Near Detroit Lakes Narrowed DETROIT LAKES — The potential impact area for a new power transmission line planned to extend past Detroit Lakes has been significantly reduced, impacting fewer property owners after recent route refinements made between February and March. The project, known as the Maple River–Cuyuna (MR-C) Transmission Project, will

ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has approved the Mankato–Mississippi River Transmission Project, a significant undertaking set to reshape the electrical infrastructure of southern Minnesota. The decision, formally announced on February 5, 2026, is intended to relieve grid congestion, enhance system reliability, and accelerate the region's shift toward renewable energy sources. The

A major construction project in Becker, Minnesota marks a significant step forward in the state's efforts to modernize its power grid and reduce its carbon footprint, with the goal of achieving ambitious renewable energy targets. However, North Dakota has taken issue with the plan, formally lodging a federal complaint that it will face increased rates as a result of funding Minnesota's transition to cleaner energy sources. As part of this effort, Great River Energy and MinnesotaPower are building new power lines to facilitate the importation of electricity from areas with greater wind and solar resources, paving the way for Minnesota to meet its renewable energy objectives.

Minnesota Power recently held public open houses to discuss a significant infrastructure project: the Iron Range – St. Louis County – Arrowhead (ISA) Transmission Project. This project involves constructing a new 63-mile transmission line operating at 345 kV, connecting Minnesota Power's Iron Range Substation, located near Grand Rapids, to its St. Louis County Substation near Hermantown. A connection to American Transmission Company’s Arrowhead Substation is also included in the plan. The ISA Transmission Project is one of several approved by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator, through its 2024 Long-Range Transmission Planning process. The project's purpose is multifaceted, aiming to bolster the Upper Midwest’s electrical grid. Key benefits include improved capacity for transferring power across the region and increased grid dependability, especially crucial as grid conditions become increasingly dynamic. Beyond reliability, the ISA Transmission Project is expected to contribute to greater economic efficiency. By facilitating energy transfer from generation sources to areas of demand, the project seeks to alleviate congestion and optimize resource utilization. The public open houses were designed to inform residents and provide a valuable forum for feedback on the planned infrastructure development.

1,677 likes, 62 comments - kare11 on January 23, 2026: "People are protesting ICE in downtown Minneapolis https://www.kare11.com/video/syndication/mobile-auto/people-are-protesting-ice-in-downtown-min...