CapX2020 is a joint initiative of 11 transmission owning utilities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin formed to upgrade and expand the electric transmission grid.
The CapX2020 project, which is expected to cost over $2bn and cover around 800 miles, features four 345kV transmission lines in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, and a 230kV line in northern Minnesota.
The 250-mile, 345kV Brookings County-Hampton transmission line, which was energized recently, runs between the Brookings County substation near Brookings, South Dakota, and the Hampton substation south of the Twin Cities.
The other recently energized 240-mile, 345kV Fargo-St. Cloud-Monticello transmission line stretches between the Bison substation near Fargo and the Monticello substation near Monticello, Minnesota.
Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Michael Rothman said: "CapX2020 represents a vital expansion of electrical transmission capacity for our energy and economic future.
"Modernizing the electrical grid benefits Minnesota residents and businesses, delivering more reliable, efficient power and supporting further development of renewable energy resources."
Xcel Energy vice president of transmission Teresa Mogensen said the CapX2020 grid expansion plays an essential role in meeting customers’ needs.
"These projects help ensure customers will continue to receive reliable, affordable energy well into the future. They also add outlets for new generation, including renewable energy."
Image: The CapX2020 project features four 345kV transmission lines and a 230kV line.Photo: courtesy of Great River Energy.
