Regulatory Process

Updated July 26, 2024

Follow the Proceedings

Receive email updates from the Commission by signing up on the edockets website.

Select “Subscribe to Dockets”
On the next page, enter your email address.
Select “Docket Number” as the “Type of Subscription.”
1. To follow the Certificate of Need proceedings, enter 22-532, then select “Add to List”.
2. To follow the Route Permit proceedings, enter 023-157 then select “Add to List”.
To follow both proceedings, follow Step 3 twice.
When finished, select “Save.”

View the Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application

File Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application

In April 2024, Xcel Energy filed a combined Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission proposing two route options for the Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Project.

Public Scoping Meetings

The Public Utilities Commission and Department of Commerce have begun the regulatory review process. The review process includes determining if the application is complete or needs additional information, public scoping meetings where landowners can provide feedback on what issues should be considered in an Environmental Impact Statement (including issues affecting land use and human impacts), and offer alternative suggestions for the Commission to consider.

After the scoping meetings, there will be other opportunities for review and comment, including public hearings overseen by an Administrative Law Judge. Following an extensive review process the Commission will consider all information and feedback before deciding if the project is needed (Certificate of Need), and, if so, what will be the project route (Route Permit application).

Environmental Impact Statement

The Department of Commerce, Energy and Environmental Analysis (EERA) will hold public meetings to answer questions and identify the scope of what will be reviewed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Those issues can include land use, such as impacts to agricultural operations, and other issues such as human impacts like proximity to homes. Landowners and other stakeholders can also submit alternative routes and route segments to be reviewed as part of this process.

A draft of the EIS will be published and comments accepted; the full EIS will be submitted as part of the project record. View the Notice.

Comment Period

The public comment period closed on August 1, 2024. The state will hold public hearings and accept public comments sometime in early 2025. You may also submit comments to richard.davis@state.mn.us. Be sure to include the docket number with your comment.

The Commission will use its discretion in accepting comments following the open comment period.

Public Hearings

The project will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge who will schedule public hearings throughout the project area to gather feedback from the community. When the hearings are scheduled, landowners will receive notifications in the mail from the Commission. The meeting schedule will be posted here on the website and advertised in local newspapers.

Commission Decision

The Commission will review all information in the record, including the application and other information submitted by Xcel Energy, and all comments and information provided by landowners, members of the public and other stakeholders. This fact sheet provides more information about the review process: Minnesota Regulatory Review Process for Transmission Lines.

Upcoming Events

In the coming months, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings as part of the route application review process.

View Events

Library & FAQs

Download a project fact sheet and review frequently asked questions.

View Library & FAQs