Xcel Energy is rebuilding a transmission line in Scott and Carver Counties to increase capacity to enable more renewable energy to enter the electric grid.
With the return of Spring, construction crews have resumed work on the Helena-Scott County transmission line rebuild project. Crews have restarted work on foundation construction, having completed more than 30% of foundations last winter. Removal of old structures, hauling new structures to the right-of-way and structure installation on foundations is now underway.
The project area will be very busy as trucks move in equipment, concrete, transmission structures and other materials. We aim to keep your family, neighbors and our construction crews safe each day. Please help keep us safe by using caution when driving near construction zones and on area roads where truck traffic will be heavy with the delivery of construction materials.
We are rebuilding a 17-mile 345-kilovolt transmission line between the Scott County Substation east of Chaska to the Helena Substation west of New Prague (view map) that was built in 1970.
The new line will remain the same voltage but will carry a higher capacity conductor increasing electric power flow and enabling additional renewable energy onto the electric grid.
Steel h-frame structures will replace the existing lattice and wood h-frames. Most structures will be directly embedded, and some will sit on concrete foundations.
The new line will be built in the existing right-of-way in place of the existing transmission line.
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) studies determined the rebuild of the transmission line was needed to accommodate delivery of electricity from four new wind farms that are currently being built in the region, including Xcel Energy’s Blazing Star 2 Wind Project, as well as the Nobles 2 Power Partners, Walleye Wind, and Invenergy Wind Development project (MidAmerican Energy Company).
Restoration crews will start work in the fall on clean-up, reseeding, drain tile repair and other restoration work.
We appreciate your patience during construction.
Xcel Energy is taking precautions to stay safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. To allow crews to do their work, and for everyone’s safety, Xcel Energy is requesting that members of the public not approach them in the field.
Sean Lawler
Land Rights Agent
Sean.W.Lawler@xcelenergy.com
612-330-1956
