Minnesota Power, an operating division of ALLETE, plans to invest between $100 million and $125 million in the CapX2020 transmission project through 2015. The new line is the first project approved for the CapX2020 transmission expansion initiative.
The 28-mile 345 kV transmission line between Monticello and St. Cloud was granted a route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) in July, and construction of the project is expected to be completed by late 2011. The 210-mile, 345 kV transmission line from St. Cloud to Fargo is expected to be completed by 2015.
Minnesota Power plans to initially participate in three CapX2020 projects: the Fargo-St. Cloud project, the Monticello-St. Cloud project and the 230 kV line between Bemidji and Minnesota Power's Boswell Energy Center near Grand Rapids.
CapX2020 project costs are eligible for current cost recovery; the company has petitioned the MPUC to recover project costs under a transmission cost recovery rider.
CapX2020 is a joint initiative of 11 transmission-owning utilities in Minnesota and the surrounding region and was formed to upgrade and expand the electric transmission grid.
SOURCE: Minnesota Power