Northeast Minneapolis Update

Project Overview

The existing triple-circuit 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between the Riverside Plant in Northeast Minneapolis to Main Street substation adjacent to Saint Anthony Falls in Downtown Minneapolis needs repainting and updating. This transmission connection is key to providing reliable electric service to neighborhoods through the core metro, including downtown, St. Anthony Main, and Northeast Minneapolis. The existing poles were installed in 1988, and some poles have peeling paint and discolored surfaces, creating an eyesore for the area. While presenting aesthetic issues, the infrastructure is safe, reliable and necessary to serve communities.

Resources

Project Information Sheet (Opens in a new window) Safety Around Power Lines (Opens in a new window) Birds and Power Lines (Opens in a new window) Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) (Opens in a new window)

Project Update

Spring 2026

Xcel Energy will begin transmission line maintenance work the week of Jan. 12, 2026 on company-owned structures near the Riverside Plant and St. Anthony Falls.

Work will begin with the installation of scaffolding and protective plastic wrapping around the structures. The enclosed work area will be heated, allowing crews to safely complete maintenance and repaint the structures in temperatures below 40 degrees while also protecting the surrounding environment. In March, the structures will be fully wrapped and the line will be de-energized to conduct the work. The electric system in this area has built-in redundancy, so customers should not experience power outages while lines are temporarily taken out of service as part of the work.

Fall 2026

The second phase of the project will begin in Fall 2026 with maintenance and replacement of structures along California, Grand, and Marshall streets in Northeast Minneapolis. Xcel Energy will coordinate closely with facility operations as well as local officials to complete the project safely and efficiently while minimizing impacts to the surrounding community.

Project Details

The purpose of the Northeast Minneapolis Update project is to address the aesthetic issues of the structures and replace select structures. Xcel Energy will work closely with local officials, stakeholders, and potentially affected business owners/landowners when construction work may occur, including traffic control when equipment is in the area. Project work must also be coordinated with plant operations and maintenance outages at the Riverside Plant. Most project work will be completed during spring and fall months when regional electric use is lowest.

Project construction activities will include:

Repainting poles with durable, long-lasting, weather tested paint
Replacing poles in areas where repainting isn’t feasible or where replacement is needed to serve and improve long-term reliability.
Similar structure replacements will be made where necessary. This includes structures near some industrial properties.

Proposed Routes

The update project will utilize the existing line route alignment.

Community Outreach

Xcel Energy recognizes the importance of informing community members, businesses and local officials who may be affected by the construction activities. We will update local officials, stakeholders, and nearby residents when construction work may occur. In the meantime, community members can email or call Xcel Energy with questions or concerns.

Before Painting

After Painting

Timeline

Begin working with local governments and developing construction plans: Spring - Winter 2025
Paint structures within the Riverside Plant and St. Anthony Falls properties: Spring 2026 (Phase 1)
Replace several structures and repaint others along California, Grand, and Marshall streets: Fall 2026 (Phase 2)
Replace and paint structures near Nicollet Island and along the Mississippi River: Spring 2027 (Phase 3)
Replace and paint structures in Boom Island Park and on the westside of the Mississippi River. Complete additional project work as needed: Fall 2027 (Phase 4)
Target completion date for construction: Fall 2027