The president and CEO of Grand Forks-based Minnkota Power Cooperative says he’s pleased with the progress of building a new 270 mile high voltage power line – running from the Milton R. Young power station near Center to Grand Forks.
Mac McLennan says that’s despite weather conditions earlier this year.
"Our original proposal was to finish by the end of 2013," said McLennan. "We are now Feburary of 2014."
McLennan says a long winter and a late spring, along with highway weight restrictions, caused the delay.
"We're doing well," said McLennan. "They're stringing the wire now, so if people want to see a helicopter stringing electrical line, and see guys hanging on ladders at 15o feet, you can see that."
McLennan says when complete, the line will add reliability to electric supply in the northern Red River Valley.
"Fargo has 10 major transmission lines, insuring that if one goes out, another can serve it," said McLennan. "The northern end of the Red River Valley has three lines. So the opportunity for load growth, or to meet reliability requirements, should be shored-up."
It means an existing power line – that runs from Center to Duluth – will become the property of Minnesota Power – and will be used to bring wind power to northeastern Minnesota.