Regulatory Process

Updated August 21, 2025

Follow the Proceedings

View filings and subscribe to the Project's dockets (Certificate of Need: 22-532 and Route Permit: 23-157) by signing up on the edockets website.

View the Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application

File Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application

On April 2, 2024, Xcel Energy filed a combined Certificate of Need and Route Permit application with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC), proposing two route options within each of the Mankato-Mississippi River Transmission Project's four segments.

On May 5, 2025, Xcel Energy filed a request for alignment change near segment two with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

MPUC Accepts Applications

On June 26, 2024, the MPUC issued an Order accepting the Applications as complete and providing procedural requirements, as well as notice of an Order for hearing. Read the Order.

The MPUC docket numbers are Certificate of Need: 22-532 and Route Permit: 23-157.

Public Scoping Meetings

Upon accepting the Applications as complete, the MPUC and Department of Commerce – Energy and Environmental Analysis (EERA) began the regulatory review process for the project. This process included a public comment period and public scoping meetings, during which landowners provided feedback on what issues and other potential routes should be considered as part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that EERA is preparing for the project. Landowners and other stakeholders were able to offer alternative routes for further consideration.

On October 3, 2024, the MPUC determined the scope of the EIS that will be prepared for the project. As part of this EIS scoping decision, new route alternatives will be studied in addition to the routes proposed in the initial Route Permit Application. The MPUC considered comments submitted on the scope of the EIS as well as recommendations from EERA.

Read the Scoping Documents

Public Hearings

The project has been assigned to an Administrative Law Judge who held public hearings throughout the project area. The hearings allowed for public testimony on the Certificate of Need and Route Permit Application, including the proposed routes and route alternatives. The hearings included in-person and virtual options and occurred in May.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

Draft EIS

The MPUC prepared a Draft EIS for the project in April, before public hearings were held in May 2025. A public comment period was opened for two months to provide comments and feedback on the Draft EIS.

Final EIS

An evidentiary hearing was held at the MPUC following the public hearings. All public comments regarding the proposed project were considered and the Final EIS was released in July 2025

EERA has prepared the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

MPUC Decision

The MPUC will review all information in the record, including the Application and other information submitted by Xcel Energy, the Draft and Final EIS documents, and comments and information provided by landowners, members of the public and other stakeholders. We anticipate the MPUC to make a final decision regarding the project in the fourth quarter of 2025.

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