Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the MariBell Transmission Project

An electric transmission system is what we often call the grid. It carries electricity over long distances to power homes, farms and businesses. The proposed MariBell Transmission Project will strengthen the Upper Midwest grid, helping ensure reliable, affordable energy for families and communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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What is the MariBell Transmission Project?

The MariBell Transmission Project is an approximately 140-mile, 765/161-kV proposed double-circuit transmission line that would be built between Marion, Minn., and Bell Center, Wis. The proposed transmission line would span portions of Olmsted, Mower, Fillmore and Houston counties in Minnesota and Vernon and Crawford counties in Wisconsin.

The segment is part of a larger 273-mile North Rochester – Columbia transmission project that was approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) in December 2024. The MariBell Transmission Project will enhance the reliability and resilience of the regional electric grid, help meet surging energy demand and support the region’s growing economy.

Why is this project needed?

In December 2024, MISO identified and approved a portfolio of transmission projects in its Long Range Transmission Plan that are needed to enable the grid of the future — boosting reliability, providing access to low-cost energy resources and meeting growing energy demand. The MariBell segment is among the projects included in the plan.

MISO is the regional grid operator responsible for ensuring power flows reliably across 15 states in the central United States and the Canadian province of Manitoba.

Overall, the proposed transmission project would increase the ability to transfer power between Minnesota and Wisconsin, unlock access to more energy resources and enable a reliable grid for the future.

What is your role in this project?
MISO selected Dairyland Power Cooperative to build, operate and maintain the MariBell transmission project. Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland will jointly develop and construct the transmission line.
Who will receive the power?
The MariBell transmission project will reinforce the electric grid in the Upper Midwest and enable access to low-cost energy to communities throughout the region.
How will my community benefit from the project?
The project is expected to provide numerous benefits to communities throughout the Upper Midwest, including enhancing the reliability of the regional grid and unlocking access to more energy resources. In addition, the project would help support the region’s growing economy and spur economic investment in the community during construction. The project is expected to generate approximately $400+ million in local and state tax revenue in Minnesota and $30+ million in state tax revenue in Wisconsin over the life of the project that could support community services and public infrastructure.
Have you considered the environmental impact of the new transmission line?

Yes, Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland are engaged with relevant federal, state and local regulatory agencies to ensure the project is designed, constructed and operated in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and management policies. 

We are committed to environmental protection and stewardship. We conduct rigorous environmental analyses to ensure we appropriately locate transmission lines and implement best practices to limit our impact on wildlife, sensitive habitats and other natural resources as well as Tribal, cultural and historic resources. We incorporate siting and design features to minimize impacts to sensitive viewsheds. 

What plans do you have to mitigate impacts on local communities?
Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland intend to use existing rights-of-way where transmission assets are currently located as much as possible and expand the existing rights-of-way, as required to meet state or federal standards. We plan to work closely with communities and landowners to gather their input to limit impacts on farmland and other properties.
How can I provide feedback on the route?
We are studying potential options to identify a proposed route. The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback through the project website and in public meetings as well as through the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
What is the expected schedule?
The MariBell transmission project is anticipated to be in service by 2034 following the regulatory review process and thorough stakeholder and community engagement. The project schedule is subject to change.
What government approvals are required?
Federal and state permits and approvals, including environmental permits, will be required to support construction of the line.
When will the final route be selected?
We anticipate filing permit applications that include a proposed route with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and preferred and alternative routes with the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin in 2026. After independent analyses and public input, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and Public Service Commission of Wisconsin will issue the final decision on the transmission line route.
What will the transmission line look like?
The full project design parameters are still being developed. We expect a right-of-way width of approximately 200 feet and steel lattice structures that are between 130 and 200 feet tall.
Will this transmission project increase the rates that customers pay for electricity?
Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland do not set rates but understand customers’ concerns regarding their electric bills. The costs will have a regional cost allocation with all costs being spread across the benefitting communities in MISO’s Midwest subregion. The purpose of the MariBell transmission project is to enable access to low-cost energy and address soaring energy demand. The completed MariBell line would provide greater reliability, leading to fewer power outages and disruptions.

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

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