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Hiawatha Transmission Project
NSP: Hiawatha Transmission Project
Improving reliability in Minneapolis
Project Overview
To meet the growing need for electricity in south Minneapolis, Xcel Energy has proposed the Hiawatha Project, which would make major improvements to the existing electric infrastructure in the area. The Hiawatha Project will provide the transmission capacity needed to maintain reliable service to the area and to support continued economic development in the future.
The Hiawatha Project consists of two 115-kilovolt underground transmission lines along 28th Street East in south Minneapolis. The 1.5 mile-long lines will connect to a new substation near the Hiawatha corridor and another new substation at Oakland Ave South.
On Feb. 10, 2012 the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) issued a Route Permit and a Certificate of Need to Xcel Energy, thereby authorizing the company to construct and operate the Hiawatha Project.
Construction Update
Last Updated: May 10, 2013 - An updated schedule overview on a segment by segment basis can be found at the link below.
Traffic on E 28th St. is restricted to one lane at 12th Ave with the detour beginning at Bloomington Ave. Please see E 28th St. Detour beginning at Bloomington Ave under Detour Routes for route specifics.
Restoration efforts continue on E 28th St. between Hiawatha and Bloomington Ave. The City of Minneapolis paving crews have installed asphalt road surface from 18th Ave to Bloomington Ave.
Between Cedar Ave and Hiawatha Ave, removal of temporary concrete and asphalt road surface began this week. The City of Minneapolis paving crews will be performing the installation of asphalt road surface in this area beginning May 20. The road will remain open during this time period, but please use caution as road conditions will vary.
The intersection of E 28th St. and 18th Ave was closed earlier this week as Xcel Energy’s crews began excavating for the installation of underground electrical duct bank. The City of Minneapolis Public Works – Water Division is also performing water main work in conjunction with our efforts. The City of Minneapolis Public Works – Water Division has been contacting directly affected properties regarding timing of the water work, temporary water connections and outages as necessary. These activities are expected to last for approximately 4 weeks. This duration is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Hiawatha West Substation – Foundation work is in progress. Distribution duct bank and manhole installations have been completed.
Midtown Substation – Distribution duct bank and manhole installations are in progress. Foundation work is expected to begin Summer 2013.
Detour Routes
28th St. Detours. Date ranges are approximate; weather and unforeseen conditions affect construction schedule. Xcel Energy shall maintain access to local business and residents.
For more detail, please see the links below:
Transmission Line Construction
Construction Schedule
| Winter/spring 2012 | Survey and soil borings |
| May 2012 | Land and easement acquisition |
| Fall 2012-Summer/Fall 2014 | Transmission Line Construction |
| Summer 2012-Fall 2014 | Substation Construction |
| Summer/Fall 2014 | Restoration |
| End of 2014 | In-Service |
Substation Construction
Advisory Work Group Meetings
- Advisory Work Group-Roles and Responsibilities
- March 1, 2012 Meeting Agenda
- March 1, 2012 Presentation 1
- March 1, 2012-Presentation 2
- March 22, 2012- Meeting 2 Summary
- March 22,2012- Meeting 2 Agenda
- April 9, 2012-Meeting 3 Agenda
- April 9, 2012- Meeting 3 Presentation 1
- April 9, 2012 Meeting Summary 3
- April 9, 2012- Architectural Alliance
- May 23, 2012-Meeting 4- Agenda
- Cultural Landscape Management and Treatment Guidelines
- Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Principles
Project Documents- Public Information
Regulatory Process
The MPUC issued a Route Permit and Certificate of Need on Feb. 10, 2012.
Regulatory Documents
Certificate of Need
Xcel Energy submitted a Certificate of Need application for the Hiawatha Project on Nov. 29, 2010.
Hiawatha Regulatory Documents
- State of Minnesota Dept. of Commerce filing
- Certificate of Need Application
- Appendix A1 South Minneapolis Distribution Study
- Appendix A2 South Minneapolis Interconnection Study
- Appendix B Forecasting Information
- Appendix C1 Cost Information
- Appendix C2 Rate Impact Calculations
- Appendix C3 Xcel Energy Response to MPUC IR No. 1
- Appendix C4 Xcel Energy Response to OES IR No. 102
- Appendix E1 Cultural Resources Assessment
- Appendix E2 Cultural Resources Analysis of Effects
- Appendix F 2010 Legislation Requiring Certificate of Need
- Appendix G Demand Side Management Programs
Route Permit
Xcel Energy submitted a Route Permit application to the MPUC in April 2009.
Hiawatha Route Permit Process
- Project Filing Letter
- Appendix A-Notice to LGU Letters & B-8-Maps
- Appendix B-9-Maps & C-Rejected Substation Locations
- Appendix D 1-2-Project Need
- Appendix D 3-1 Project Need
- Appendix D4-Project Need
- Appendix G-H-Stakeholder Comments
- Quick Project Overview-Executive Summary and Environmental Impacts Summary
- Appendix I-J Cost Assumptions & Agency Contacts
Additional Resources
For more information contact:
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