Regional Transmission Projects

The safe, reliable, and cost-competitive delivery of electricity to consumers in the Upper Midwest relies on a strong backbone of transmission liens and dependable power plants. As more energy resources are added to the grid and electricity demand rises, our aging generation and transmission system needs to be upgraded. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) - our regional grid operator - recognized this need over a decade ago and began planning for the future with long-range transmission planning. Dairyland Power Cooperative (DPC) - PEC's wholesale power provider - has focused on a diversified generation portfolio with lower carbon intensity that is still reliable when our members need electricity the most.

MISO Long Range Transmission Planning

MISO named Dairyland a joint developer and co-owner for multiple projects in its Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP), which will upgrade and expand an interstate transmission corridor needed to bridge growing energy demand.

By participating in one of the largest transmission buildouts in history, Dairyland is supporting regional reliability with investments to help keep electricity rates stable, support rural economic growth, and enable greater access to diverse energy resources for decades to come. Because of their involvement, Dairyland receives a guaranteed rate of return, which we are already seeing benefits from on our monthly wholesale power bills. This financial benefit will continue for the life of the lines and helps us keep our rates to members stable.

The Alma-Blair (Wis.) Transmission Project is part of the first round of MISO's LRTP projects and was unanimously approved by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in February 2026. Along with the Wabasha Relocation Project (relocating an existing 161-kV transmission line), these power delivery investments strengthen grid reliability, support diverse energy integration, and ensure continued service to homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the Upper Midwest.

To learn more about the Wabasha Relocation Project, visit the link below.

Wabasha Relocation Project

The Gopher to Badger Link is a transmission project being proposed for Southeast Minnesota and is part of MISO's long-range transmission planning in Tranche 2.1. Xcel Energy is developing the portion spanning from the North Rochester Substation near Pine Island to Marion.

Gopher to Badger Link

Dairyland Power Cooperative is developing the portion named MariBell Transmission Project. The MariBell portion is a 140-mile, 765 kV/161 kV line between Marion, MN, and Bell Center, WI. An interactive open house for the MariBell Transmission Project is now available on the project website which you can access through the link below. Users can see the materials that were presented at open houses and leave comments directly on the interactive map for specific routing concerns.

MariBell Transmission Project

PowerOn Midwest is a series of transmission projects that is also part of MISO's long-range transmission planning in Tranche 2.1. Being developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company, and Xcel Energy, these projects will span from eastern South Dakota through southeast Minnesota. For more details, click on the link below:

2026 Legislative Energy Forums:

Regional Transmission Projects

Wabasha Relocation Project

Gopher to Badger Link

MariBell Transmission Project

PowerOn Midwest

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2026 Legislative Energy Forums:

Wabasha Relocation Project

Gopher to Badger Link & MariBell

PowerOn Midwest