LeRoy, Minnesota is hosting one of the first open houses for the Gopher to Badger Link, a significant electric transmission project aimed at improving grid reliability in the Upper Midwest. The event, organized by Dairyland Power Cooperative and Xcel Energy, takes place tonight at the LeRoy Community Center from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.. This initiative is part of a series of meetings designed to inform the public about the project and gather community feedback.
The Gopher to Badger Link aims to address the growing energy demands of the region. According to a press release issued on Monday, the project is expected to evolve with the changing energy landscape in the coming decades. The open houses will serve as a platform for landowners, stakeholders, and community members to learn about the project details and express their opinions.
Project Details and Open House Schedule
The project includes approximately 35 miles of new single-circuit 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line extending from the North Rochester substation near Pine Island to Marion. Additionally, the MariBell segment will cover around 105 miles from Marion to the Mississippi River, connecting to the existing transmission system in Wisconsin. This segment plans to enhance an existing 161 kV line with a double-circuit 765/161 kV line within the current corridor.
The open houses are scheduled as follows:
– **Today:** 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Zumbrota VFW, 25 E. 1st St., Zumbrota
– **Tuesday:** 10 a.m. to noon at the Blue Moon Ballroom, 2030 Hwy. 14 E., Rochester
– **Wednesday:** 10 a.m. to noon at the Stewartville American Legion, 1100 2nd Ave. NW, Stewartville
– **Wednesday:** 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Preston Depot Museum and Riverfront Center, 304 Fillmore St. E., Preston
– **Thursday:** 10 a.m. to noon at the Mabel Community Center, 201 Main St. S., Mabel
– **Thursday, January 15:** 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Four Seasons Community Center, 900 N. Kingston St., Caledonia
At each open house, representatives from the Gopher to Badger Link project will explain the necessity of the initiative, including its potential to enhance electric reliability and spur regional economic growth. They will also outline the regulatory process, highlighting the upcoming Certificate of Need application planned for February 2026 and the Route Permit application anticipated for late 2026.
Community Involvement and Regulatory Approval
Attendees will have the chance to engage with project staff, ask questions, and provide feedback on preliminary route options. This feedback will be vital as the project team refines the development process. The Gopher to Badger Link was identified and approved by the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) in December 2024, with the project deemed beneficial for customers across the region.
The project promises to deliver reliable electricity, enable new electric generation capabilities, and enhance the resilience of the system during extreme weather conditions. However, before any construction can commence, the project must secure state regulatory approval.
This comprehensive initiative is a crucial step towards meeting the evolving energy needs of the Upper Midwest, ensuring that communities are well-equipped to face future demands.
