Strengthening Our Energy Future
Overview
The Gopher to Badger Link transmission line project is being proposed to deliver reliable power to homes, farms and businesses across the region, strengthen the electric grid and facilitate access to new energy sources. Dairyland Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy will develop separate segments of this new 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line, which will run from eastern Minnesota to the Mississippi River.
The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has divided responsibilities for the Gopher to Badger Link between Dairyland Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy.
Project Area
This map shows the area where landowners are likely to be affected. This area will be studied during the route development process. We will communicate with landowners and local officials in these areas as the process moves forward. View our proposed route options.
North Rochester to Marion Segment
Xcel Energy is developing approximately 35 miles of a new single-circuit 765 kV transmission line that will run from the North Rochester Substation near Pine Island to Marion, Minn.
Marion to Mississippi River Segment
(MariBell
Transmission Line)
Dairyland Power Cooperative is developing the MariBell segment of the project, which will extend from Marion to the Mississippi River. This segment consists of replacing an existing 161 kV transmission line with a new 765/161 kV double-circuit transmission line. Learn more about the MariBell Transmission Project.
Why This Project Is Needed
This new, 765 kilovolt (kV) ‘back-bone’ transmission line represents the next step in our region’s energy story. MISO and energy companies plan decades ahead to make sure we can meet the future electricity needs of our customers, and the Gopher to Badger Link is part of a series of proposed new regional transmission projects across the Upper Midwest to support the energy system as it grows and evolves.
The Gopher to Badger Link was identified as part of MISO’s proposed Long Range Transmission Plan (LRTP), which includes several projects in Minnesota, Wisconsin and the surrounding region. The Gopher-Badger Link will connect to the region’s electric grid and will be coordinated with another project in Wisconsin.
Learn about other regional projects.
Evolving the Grid
The electric grid must evolve as our region transforms how it generates and uses electricity. As older power plants retire and new sources of electrical generation are developed, Gopher to Badger Link will help ensure reliable electricity for customers as these changes occur.
Sustaining Reliability
Our current system delivers 99% reliability as a direct result of the infrastructure built and operated over many decades. We are now developing the next phase of transmission investments that will maintain that high reliability into the future.
Strengthening the System
Upgrading our transmission system supports electric reliability, fosters economic growth, meets rising energy demand, and ensures customers have electricity wherever and whenever it’s needed, even during extreme weather.
Benefits
Enhance the reliability of the electric grid
Helps ensure the transmission system can deliver electricity to customers where and when it’s needed, regardless of weather, demand or generation source.
Help meet growing energy demand
Supports the projected growth in electricity use over the coming decades by providing more capacity to deliver energy to customers.
Expand access to more energy resources
Improves access to energy sources throughout the region to create a stronger, more reliable power system for the future.
Support the region’s growing economy
Creates opportunities for new jobs and business growth in the region.
Anticipated Schedule
Building major transmission lines is a multi-year process that starts with careful planning. Throughout this process, there are many opportunities for public engagement, including meetings, open houses, and formal input during the MPUC process.
*As our schedule evolves, we will provide updated information.
2025-2026
Initial public, landowner, agency, tribal and stakeholder engagement
2026-2027
- File Gopher to Badger Link Certificate of Need (CON) application with Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)
- CON application review process
- Route development
- File route permit (RP) application with MPUC
- RP application review process
2028-2030
- Detailed engineering design
- Environmental surveys and permitting
- Easement acquisition
2031-2034
- Pre-construction activities
- Construction
- Restoration
2034
Anticipated in-service
*Wisconsin will follow a separate regulatory process. For the proposed timeline for that process, please visit the MariBell Transmission Project website.
Get Involved
Community feedback is essential at every stage, so we encourage you to stay engaged throughout the process.
