By Beth Soholt, executive director of

Clean Grid Alliance

Minnesota’s energy future is at a crossroads, and the Big Stone South to Alexandria to Big Oaks Transmission Project is a pivotal step in ensuring our state’s energy security and independence.

On Oct. 3, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission voted to approve the project.

As discussions around energy infrastructure often get bogged down in technical details and regulatory hurdles, it’s essential to consider the broader picture: What this project means for Minnesota’s residents, particularly those in rural areas.

Strengthening our grid for a reliable future

Most people only consider the reliability of our energy grid once it fails. But when the power goes out, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching. After all, energy resilience is crucial for daily life. Most of America’s electricity transmission infrastructure was built in the 1950s and 1960s, originally designed with a 50-year lifespan.

Enter the Big Stone South to Alexandria to Big Oaks Transmission Project, which will feature 108 miles of new 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines connecting the Big Stone South Substation in South Dakota to Alexandria and then to the proposed new Big Oaks substation near Becker.

This transmission project is designed to strengthen our grid, reduce the likelihood of power outages, and ensure that electricity remains a reliable backbone of our economy. All while enabling the delivery of clean, affordable, renewable energy.

Upgrading our transmission infrastructure will make it easier to deliver power across the state, even during peak demand or extreme weather conditions — which Minnesotans know all too well are becoming increasingly common.

Fortifying our grid reliability is not just a convenience; it’s a necessity. Our lives – and livelihood – all depend on the reliable delivery of energy. Ensuring that our energy supply is affordable and reliable is especially paramount.

Enabling Minnesota’s energy independence

Minnesota has made significant strides in embracing renewable energy. With the latest energy permit reform legislation signed into law this spring, projects like this can break ground faster, ensuring reliability and low-cost energy is available to all.

To meet the growing consumer demand for reliable, affordable energy, we must fully realize the potential of wind and solar power, as well as battery storage. Energy independence is crucial to our national security and maintaining economic stability. By building out our transmission infrastructure we can integrate more renewable energy into our overall energy grid, moving us closer to true energy independence.

Increasing our domestic energy production reduces our reliance on foreign nations for the critical resources we need to sustain our economy. The shift to domestic production of energy isn’t about environmental benefits (though there are many); it’s about contributing to America’s national security while keeping energy dollars in Minnesota and creating jobs here at home.

Economic lifeline for rural communities

Beyond its role in energy independence, the Big Stone-to-Big Oaks Transmission project offers significant economic benefits for rural communities. Transmission line construction and upgrades will generate thousands of jobs across the region and boost local economies in the short term.

Still, the long-term benefits are even more substantial. By supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector, the line positions rural areas at the forefront of a clean energy economy that also delivers jobs, and economic diversity through land-lease payments and production tax payments that benefit the entire community.

This economic opportunity is crucial for rural Minnesota, where many communities seek ways to attract new businesses and retain young people. The clean energy industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, and with the proper infrastructure, rural Minnesota can be a significant player.

Moving forward with confidence

As Minnesota transitions toward a more sustainable energy future, having a reliable, modern grid is essential. But this project is about more than just wires and towers; it’s about ensuring every Minnesotan has access to reliable, affordable, clean energy.

As the state moves forward with this and other energy projects, we must focus on the bigger picture. Big Stone-to-Big Oak is a critical investment in Minnesota’s future that will pay dividends for decades to come. We applaud the decision by the PUC to support this project. We’re not just improving our energy grid but securing a brighter, more independent future for all of Minnesota.

Beth Soholt brings more than 20 years’ experience working with the electric industry in various capacities. At CGA, she directs work in technical/transmission planning, state regulatory proceedings, legislative education and outreach.