Minnkota Power Cooperative has become the eighth utility to sign a non‑binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with North Plains Connector LLC, a subsidiary of Grid United. The MOU secures 150 MW of capacity on the planned 3,000‑MW high‑voltage direct current (HVDC) line that will link the Eastern and Western Interconnections, a development relevant to utilities seeking additional transmission pathways and market access.
Minnkota Power Cooperative Signs Capacity MOU
Minnkota’s MOU with North Plains Connector LLC commits the cooperative to reserve 150 MW on the HVDC line once it is operational, pending negotiation of definitive agreements. The agreement makes Minnkota the second North Dakota‑based utility in the consortium, joining members such as Avista, BHE U.S. Transmission, Montana‑Dakota Utilities, NorthWestern Energy, Portland General Electric, and Puget Sound Energy. “North Plains Connector represents a promising opportunity to strengthen the regional grid and support long‑term energy reliability and flexibility,” said Mac McLennan, President and CEO of Minnkota. He added that the line would expand market opportunities for Minnkota’s generation resources and provide a west‑to‑east pathway for electricity.
HVDC Line Connects Three Regional Markets
When completed, the North Plains Connector will be the first HVDC transmission line in the United States to interconnect three regional electric markets: the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Western Interconnection, and the Southwest Power Pool. The line is designed to move power bidirectionally from all generation sources based on market needs, enhancing grid reliability and resiliency across the region. Grid United and ALLETE, Inc. are the joint developers, and the project is projected to be a multi‑billion‑dollar investment in Montana and North Dakota, creating over 800 construction jobs.
Timeline and Regional Impact
Construction of the 3,000‑MW HVDC line is slated to begin in 2028, with commercial operations expected in 2032. The project’s capacity‑reservation model allows participating utilities to plan for future power flows while awaiting final agreements. Colleen Nash, leader of the North Plains Connector HVDC transmission project, noted that the consortium’s momentum reflects regional utilities’ commitment to expanding grid capacity efficiently and cost‑effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Minnkota Power Cooperative signed a non‑binding MOU to secure 150 MW on the North Plains Connector HVDC line, becoming the eighth utility in the consortium.
- The HVDC line will be the first in the U.S. to connect three regional markets—MISO, the Western Interconnection, and the Southwest Power Pool—enhancing grid reliability and market access.
- Construction is planned to start in 2028 with operations targeted for 2032, and the project is expected to generate over 800 construction jobs.
EnergyInsyte's Take
Minnkota’s participation signals growing utility interest in long‑distance HVDC as a tool for regional reliability and market diversification. While the MOU is non‑binding, the timeline to 2032 gives stakeholders a clear horizon for planning transmission‑related investments. Executives should monitor the progress of definitive agreements and any regulatory or permitting developments that could affect the project’s schedule.
Source: Businesswire
