Minnesota Regulatory Process
We’re at the start of a multi-year regulatory process that includes evaluation of the project’s need and routing by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). The MPUC ultimately determines whether the project is needed and, if so, the project’s final route for proposed transmission lines. The MPUC will thoroughly review all project information provided by the applicants and input from stakeholders, landowners and the general public before making its decisions.
Two key approvals must be obtained from the MPUC before the project can be built:
A Certificate of Need (CON) identifies the issues the proposed project is designed to solve (the need for the project) and reviews how the project benefits the state and region. The CON Docket number is 25-121.
A Route Permit (RP) identifies where the project should be located, including an evaluation of route alternatives. The RP docket number: 26-156.
Update
In April, the MPUC accepted the CON Application as complete and paused that process until the RP Application is filed in Fall 2026 so that the applications may be considered in a joint proceeding. There will continue to be opportunities for public comment throughout the review process. This page has been updated to reflect these changes.
Upcoming Regulatory Milestones
Now that the MPUC has accepted the CON application as complete and paused the remaining steps in the need review, the next milestone is submitting the RP application later this fall. Once the RP application is filed, the MPUC will begin a joint review process to evaluate both the project’s need and proposed route.
The MPUC will determine the route following their review process, which includes numerous opportunities for public input and involvement. The MPUC final decision generally takes 12-18 months. We encourage you to stay involved throughout the process, so your perspective is considered.
CON Application filed (February 2026)
MPUC CON completeness determination and pause (April 2026)
RP Application filed; MPUC begins review process
MPUC Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) scoping public meetings
*Opportunity to propose route alternatives.
Draft EIS
MPUC public hearings
Final EIS
MPUC CON and Route Permit Decision
Input and engagement opportunities will be available throughout
these processes.
Regulatory Process
We plan to file our RP Application in fall 2026. After the permit is filed and accepted as complete by the MPUC, the regulatory review process begins.
Once the RP Application is deemed complete, the MPUC will hold public information and scoping meetings throughout the project area to begin developing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
These meetings, along with the public comment period, allow landowners and community members to:
- Ask questions of MPUC staff and the applicants
- Provide input on what should be studied in the EIS
- Suggest alternative routes for consideration by the MPUC
- Suggest system alternatives (alternatives to the project) to be evaluated in the EIS
- Address potential impacts and mitigation measures that should be studied in the EIS
The EIS evaluates potential effects on land use, including agricultural operations and residences, water resources, natural habitats and other environmental factors. Proposed system alternatives should still meet the project’s purpose and need. Proposed route alternatives can include minor alignment shifts as well as longer route alternatives, but should have the same start and end points as the project. Following this process, the MPUC publishes a decision outlining the topics and route alternatives that will be included in the EIS.
The Draft EIS will be published and made available for public review and comment.
After the Draft EIS is published, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will hold public hearings throughout the project area, with a public comment period, to receive comments on the project, how potential impacts of the project could be addressed, and what conditions should be required for the project to move forward. Advance notice of these public hearings will be provided via mail and newspaper advertisements. The ALJ then prepares a report summarizing the overall record and writes a report and recommendation to the MPUC, including recommendations about what route should be selected and conditions that should be included in the RP.
The MPUC publishes the Final EIS.
After reviewing the CON and report from the ALJ, all public comments and the complete environmental review and permitting record, the MPUC will consider the applications at a scheduled MPUC meeting to make its final CON and RP decision. MPUC meetings and hearings are open to the public. At that time, the MPUC will decide if the project is needed and on which route, or combination of routes, to approve the transmission line and any conditions the permit should include.
A RP can only be issued after a CON is granted, and it is the approval that determines the transmission line route. Once approved, the utilities will pursue any additional required permits, such as those required by other state and federal agencies depending on the designated route.
Subscribe to the Dockets
To learn how to subscribe to the project’s docket and to receive email notifications when information is filed in that docket, please visit: www.mn.gov/puc/edockets/how-to/.
To subscribe to this docket, follow those instructions and enter Docket Number 25-121 for the Certificate of Need and 26-156 for the Route Permit.
Get Involved
Community feedback is essential at every stage, so we encourage you to stay engaged throughout the process.
