On February 5, 2025, Administrative Law Judge Suzanne Todnem issued her Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law which stated the Minnesota Energy Connection Project proposed by Xcel Energy met the criteria for the issuance of a Certificate of Need and that the Project complied with procedural requirements. Judge Todnem also agreed with the Project’s preferred route selection, identified as the “Blue Route” which was modified to include a “Green segment”. The New Modified Blue Route was expanded from approximately 174 miles to about 178 miles and will run through 10 Minnesota counties from Lyon to Sherburne Counties.
The Judge’s decision is not an Order, but a recommendation to the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, which is expected to make a final decision on approving the project and the determining the route. It appears likely the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will approve the project. Once that happens, Xcel Energy will begin the process of acquiring private land for the construction of the line.
If your land is in the path of the line, please contact attorney Michael Rajkowski with Evenson Decker, P.A. at (320) 253-7130 or [email protected] to schedule a free initial phone conference. He has more than 36 years of experience, has successfully argued two “Buy the Farm” cases before the Minnesota Supreme Court, and is ready to zealously advocate for you as a landowner