Power line project awareness event is planned for Saturday in region

A caravan event is planned along the route of a proposed 765,000-volt transmission line on Saturday.

Tractors, semis, farm equipment, pickups and more are expected to proceed along a 107-mile route from the South Dakota border to Lakefield. 

Explained event organizer Ian Vogel: "Our intention is to bring more awareness of the issues surrounding the potential building of this high voltage line. There is a precedent being set here for serious violations of individual property rights. Farmers are being threatened by the utilities' ability to claim eminent domain and take farm land for for-profit companies to build on.

"We need local and state lawmakers to help put pause on this project until local communities can have meaningful input on the construction of PowerOn Midwest."

A press release notes that the PowerOn Midwest line is a project of Xcel Energy, ITC Midwest, Great River Energy and Otter Tail Power. It is one segment of a 3,631-mile, $21.8 billion transmission portfolio approved by regional grid operator MISO in December 2024. A Certificate of Need application is pending before the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in docket CN-25-117. Routes are still being refined, and a route permit application is expected in early 2027.

Saturday's caravan will be a lawful, peaceful procession on public roads, Vogel said. Sheriff's offices along the route have been notified. Route maps, a schedule and further information are at stopthe765.com.