Modernizing the Power Grid

Reliable Energy For the Upper Midwest

The MariBell Transmission Project will be thoughtfully integrated into Minnesota and Wisconsin’s agricultural and rural communities — enhancing reliability and helping power farms, businesses and homes today and for generations to come.

Introducing the MariBell Transmission Project

A strong electric grid is the backbone of strong communities. As energy demand in the Upper Midwest continues to rise, the MariBell Transmission Project is modernizing energy infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of homes, farms and local businesses.

The proposed MariBell Transmission Project is an approximately 140-mile, 765 kilovolt (kV)/161 kV double circuit transmission line developed by American-owned companies, Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland. It will stretch from Marion, Minn., to Bell Center, Wis., crossing through Olmsted, Mower, Fillmore and Houston counties in Minnesota, and Vernon and Crawford counties in Wisconsin. This project is part of a larger effort by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional transmission organization covering 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba, to maintain a resilient and flexible electric grid.

This project is being developed in close consultation with landowners, Tribal Nations, local governments and conservationists. MariBell is expected to be in service by 2034.

tractor-icon
Protecting Local Agriculture
powerline-icon
Modernizing Our Grid
hand-leaf
Safeguarding Natural Resources

Energy that Works for Your Community

The MariBell Transmission Project will utilize existing rights-of-way [wherever possible] to deliver much-needed upgrades to the Upper Midwest power grid. The Project will also be a new source of revenue for local communities and counties, money that can support schools, build roads and enhance essential services.

construction-workers-power-lines-daytime
Leveraging existing locations to minimize impact

The proposed transmission line will use existing transmission corridors [wherever possible] to maximize efficiency and avoid impact to local farmland.

family-watching-tablet
Modern demand meets modern technology

MariBell will reinforce the Upper Midwest grid in an era of unprecedented energy demand. The MariBell Transmission Project replaces outdated technology dating back as far as the 1950s with advanced, modern infrastructure.

farmer-touches-grass
Working directly with communities

The MariBell team will work closely with landowners, stakeholders and communities to protect farmland and natural resources while giving rural communities critical access to low-cost, reliable energy.

student-teacher-projector
Supporting local schools and roads

MariBell will help fund roads, schools, parks, emergency response services and other essential infrastructure by generating a forecasted $530 million* in local and state tax revenue in Minnesota and Wisconsin over the life of the project.

*Economic analysis by Strategic Economic Research, LLC.

Stay Connected

Sign up for project updates to stay informed about how the MariBell Transmission Project will help power homes, farms and businesses across the Upper Midwest.

Drop us a Line

Do you have questions about the MariBell Transmission Project? Please email the team at connect@maribelltransmission.com.

Terms

Privacy Policy

Safety Policy

©2025 Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland LLC. All rights reserved.