PowerOn Midwest Tomorrow's reliability starts today.
PowerOn Midwest is a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kV backbone transmission line being developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy. The projects will connect eastern South Dakota, southern Minnesota and the broader region, enhancing grid reliability in the Upper Midwest to meet growing and evolving energy needs in the coming decades.
Where and how we use and generate power is changing.
As large, aging power plants are retired in the coming years, we're shifting to other forms of generation that can be more flexible and scalable for our region's new energy needs.
Overview
Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy have partnered to develop the proposed PowerOn Midwest - South Dakota project, a 765 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to serve customers in South Dakota and throughout the Upper Midwest. The project is part of a broader effort to modernize the electric grid and meet growing energy demand, strengthening regional reliability while supporting the local communities that depend on the system every day.
On September 4, 2026, the project team submitted a Facility Permit application to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission, which includes a proposed route for the transmission line.
Proposed route
The proposed route included in the Facility Permit application was developed based on input gathered during public open houses, and from community members, local leaders, Tribal representatives, and state and federal agencies throughout the route development process.
You're welcome to share feedback with the project team through this website at any time. Please note that feedback submitted here is separate from official public comment on the Facility Permit application, which must be submitted to the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission. View SD PUC's public comment guidelines.
Key benefits
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Reliable electricity
Delivers on our commitment to customers that electricity is delivered where and when it's needed—regardless of the weather, electric generation source, or demand.
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Future-ready grid
Addresses rising electricity demand, which is projected to grow significantly over the next two decades.
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Customer and economic benefits
Enables more cost-effective generation while improving reliability, opening doors for future economic growth across the region.
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Access to new electric generation
Supports a range of energy sources added to the grid, providing a balanced and reliable power supply for the future.
Preliminary schedule
Developing and building major new transmission lines is a multi-year process that begins with significant planning, which identifies general project areas, includes comprehensive outreach to local landowners and officials to explore potential route options, and involves a robust regulatory review by state officials. If approved, construction would begin in 2030, with segments expected to be in-service between 2032 and 2034.
As our schedule evolves, we will provide updated information.
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2025-2027
- Project planning
- Initial stakeholder engagement
- Route development
- Negotiate easement options with landowners
- Facility Permit application
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2027-2029
- Permitting
- Engineering design
- Environmental surveys
- Real estate
- Public engagement
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2030-2034
- Pre-construction activities
- Construction
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2034
- Anticipated in-service
- Clean up
- Restoration
Get involved
We're early in the development process and your participation is vital. Check back often to learn about the many ways to get involved with PowerOn Midwest.
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Stay informed
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Attend an event
Join us at upcoming events in the project area. View events -
Connect with us
Ask questions or reach out to the team. Email the team
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