Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) is planning to build a new 115 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line and substation. This new infrastructure project is known as the Southern Interconnect Project.
HPU’s Southern Interconnect Project will improve electrical reliability across all of Hibbing by creating two new connection points to the larger power supply grid.
New interconnection points will increase HPU’s electrical capacity in line with the projected growth of Hibbing’s electrical needs through the future.
Alternative connection points provide Hibbing with greater flexibility during severe weather events, resulting in faster restoral times.
Please do not hesitate to call or email Hibbing Public Utilities (HPU) staff. We look forward to talking with you about this important project.
Eliot Dixon Luke Peterson
Customer Communications General Manager
& Programs Specialist
(218) 262-7737 (218) 262-7759
eliot.dixon@hpuc.com luke.peterson@hpuc.com
HPU’s Southern Interconnect Project (“the project”) consists of a 115 kilovolt (kV) overhead transmission line and substation to be owned and operated by HPU. The new transmission line will connect Hibbing with two additional high voltage transmission line networks, eliminating the risks associated with Hibbing’s existing single connection to the electrical grid through Minnesota Power’s (MP) Kerr Location, a 1960s-era substation.
What would be built?
As currently proposed, the project includes construction of about 3 miles of new overhead 115 kV transmission line between the existing Great River Energy (GRE) substation on Maple Hill Road and an existing MP transmission line south of Town Line Road where it crosses Bunker Road. A new substation will be constructed near the existing HPU water treatment facility on Town Line Road to interconnect the new transmission line into the existing HPU distribution system. If the new transmission line overtakes existing distribution lines, those distribution lines will be rebuilt.
Why is the project needed?
Recall the 2023 power outages on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and the multitude of outages in HPU’s past? One of those outages was due to something as simple as a raven damaging equipment. Most of those outages were associated with having only one connection to the electrical grid. A single connection, much less one that is outdated, is inadequate for Hibbing—cities of Hibbing’s size typically have multiple connection points for reliability.
As local demand for energy increases in our area, the project will be a significant contributor to meeting electrical needs. This will increase the reliability of the electrical service provided to HPU ratepayers. Additionally, while HPU supplies most of its electrical capacity and energy, reliable access to the broader electrical grid is critical for our future.
Who will own and operate the transmission line and substation?
HPU will own and operate the transmission line and substation.
How does Hibbing benefit?
The project will provide multiple benefits for HPU customers, including:
How do I benefit?
The project will help HPU enhance the reliability of its electric service to residents and businesses in our service territory. Users of electricity will receive more reliable electrical service. Should the project follow existing power lines, HPU will work to upgrade those lines, which will strengthen your current electrical service.
What is the schedule?
The anticipated schedule, which is subject to change, is as follows:
Project permitting and easements – Summer 2025 to Summer 2026
Construction and restoration – Summer 2026 to Spring 2027
Energization – Summer 2027
Will the project impact my pocketbook?
The project cost will depend on the final route selected and various state and regional approvals. HPU does not anticipate that the project will affect electricity bills for customers.
What will the poles look like?
Currently, HPU is proposing to use single-pole wood structures with a typical height of 75 to 90 feet. However, structures can vary in both size and material based on a variety of factors.
How far apart will the poles be?
The distance between poles (or “span”) could vary between 300 and 500 feet, depending on the final permitted route and detailed engineering. Currently, we expect that the average span will be around 350 feet.
Where will the substation be built?
We anticipate that the substation will be constructed on land owned by the City of Hibbing.
What is a right-of-way?
Right-of-way refers to the land needed to construct and operate the transmission line. The right-of-way width for this project likely will be 60 feet, or 30 feet on each side of the transmission poles and line. This width could vary based on final engineering.
If that right-of-way is on private property, HPU would need to acquire an easement from the property owner. Landowners are compensated for these agreements. The landowner may use their land within a right-of-way easement for any purpose that does not interfere with the construction, operation, or maintenance of the transmission line.
Will HPU use eminent domain?
HPU does not intend to use the power of eminent domain for this project. If easements are needed, it is HPU’s goal to work with each affected landowner.
Based on its size, the project will require a route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) before it can be constructed. Ultimately, the MPUC determines the location of the transmission line and substation through its route permit process.
HPU will submit a route permit application to the MPUC, which will include information about HPU’s proposed route and an environmental assessment that discusses potential impacts on people and the environment. The application will also contain information on design, construction, and operation of the transmission line and substation and a summary of public outreach. The MPUC will host a public information meeting and a subsequent hearing in the project area. Both the meeting and hearing are accompanied by a public comment period to further gather public input. Following this process, the MPUC will issue a decision, which is expected in 2026.
The project might also require permits from local, state, and/or federal agencies depending on final design.
What is a proposed route?
A proposed route is where an applicant to the MPUC proposes to construct a transmission line. HPU has not finalized its proposed route and is currently reviewing route options within a larger Study Area. Generally, the eventual route must travel between the existing GRE substation on Maple Hill Road, to the proposed new substation on Town Line Road, and then to an interconnection with the existing MP transmission line to the south of Town Line Road. A route between these points would be approximately 3 miles.
What factors will HPU prioritize as it develops its proposed route?
Can I influence the proposed route?
Yes. We will consider all the feedback we receive from landowners, interested citizens, and government agencies when developing a proposed route for HPU’s route permit application to the MPUC, which we expect to submit in mid-2025. We will consider this input alongside engineering considerations to ensure safe operation of the transmission line and substation.
Public outreach is just beginning. We are holding a landowner meeting on May 7, 2025, and a town hall on May 20, 2025.
Landowner Meeting May 7, 2025 6:00PM Maple Hill Community Club 12284 Town Line Road Hibbing, MN 55746 | Utility Town Hall (Public) May 20, 2025 6:00 – 9:00PM Memorial Building Arena, Little Theatre 400 East 23rd Street Hibbing, MN 55746
|
What is the purpose of these meetings?
The purpose of the meetings is to introduce the project and answer your questions.
What information would you like from me?
Any information that you would like us to consider when developing our proposed route.
What will you do with the information I share?
Information gathered during the public outreach process will be reviewed, considered, and reflected in HPU’s route permit application to the MPUC, which we expect to submit in 2025.
Questions?
