Transmission project open houses set for June 18 and 19 in Litchfield, Hutchinson

LITCHFIELD — Great River Energy will be hosting transmission project open houses in Litchfield and Hutchinson on Wednesday and Thursday, June 18 and 19, regarding the proposal to construct 70 miles of 115-kilovolt transmission line between Willmar, Litchfield, Forest City and Hutchinson .

The transmission line is a joint effort between Great River Energy, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, City of Litchfield and Hutchinson Municipal Utilities to enhance reliability and allow for additional load growth throughout the project area and beyond, according to a news release from Great River Energy.

Interested property owners and community members are welcome to attend the open houses to learn more about the project. The open houses on both days will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The open houses in Litchfield on Wednesday will take place at the Litchfield Opera House and the open houses in Hutchinson on Thursday will take place at the McLeod County Fairgrounds.

Approximately 50 miles of the proposed route will overtake and replace existing 69-kilovolt transmission lines that were built in the 1950s with the new 115-kilovolt transmission line, according to the news release. Approximately 20 miles of the new 115-kilovolt transmission line will be constructed in new right-of-way.

Increasing the voltage and rebuilding to modern construction standards will enhance the area’s power supply and reliability, while providing for future growth, according to Great River Energy’s senior field representative Dale Aukee.

“The open house is an opportunity for property owners and community members to get information about the project and ask any questions they have,” Aukee said. “Property owners along the line may contact us at their convenience to discuss the project.”

There will not be a formal presentation given at the open houses, and interested individuals are invited to attend the one that fits best in their schedule. A fact sheet, which includes a detailed map, can be found at greatriverenergy.com/Willmar-Hutchinson .