Xcel Energy moving forward with renewable energy plan from northeast South Dakota

October 5, 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn.–Xcel Energy, along with other Minnesota power companies, have filed plans to move forward with a new power line to bring renewable energy from northeast South Dakota to the Becker and Monticello area.

The eastern segment of the Big Stone South-Alexandria-Big Oaks project will move power from Alexandria to Becker by stringing additional lines onto existing towers. Officials said the new lines will relieve congestion on the power grid and allow lower-cost wind power from western Minnesota and the Dakotas to reach customers throughout the region.

The Certificate of Need and Route Permit will both need approval from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

That process, which allows for input from landowners, customers, and other stakeholders, will take about a year.