Following years of planning and construction, ITC Midwest completed and energized a major new, high voltage electric transmission line in 2018. As a 110-mile segment of Multi-Value Project (MVP) 3, the 345,000 volt (345 kV) transmission line connects ITC Midwest’s Lakefield Junction and Huntley substations in southern Minnesota, and the Ledyard switching substation and MidAmerican Energy’s Kossuth County substation, in northern Iowa.
MVP 3 is one of 17 Multi-Value Projects (MVPs) approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to provide access to low-cost electricity generation, improve reliability and efficiency, and expand access to renewable energy resources throughout the Midwest. Specifically, this transmission line will facilitate the integration of clean, renewable and cost-effective energy, including wind energy, from southern Minnesota and northern Iowa for electric consumers across the region.
“Throughout this project, ITC’s ongoing commitment to operational excellence has been evident, as we’ve worked in close cooperation with landowners, communities, neighboring utility partners, contractors and suppliers,” said Krista Tanner, president of ITC Midwest. “The MVP 3 project substantially increases grid capacity and enhances system reliability while providing more efficient transmission of energy. Through the construction of this new transmission line, ITC is pleased to provide greater access to renewable energy and positively contribute to the region’s economy and overall quality of life.”
In addition, this line benefits communities by relieving stress on lower-voltage lines that deliver power to electric customers. Due to the interconnected nature of the grid, communities throughout the region can benefit from this transmission line, even if they are not located in close proximity to the project.
During the construction phase of the transmission line, the project had a significant impact to the southern Minnesota and north-central Iowa economy, including employment of local contractors, vendors and suppliers. The regional economy benefited from the demand for supplies and services such as concrete, hardware, fuel, gravel and trucking, as well as food, lodging and other personal needs for construction crews. The transmission infrastructure provided by the project helps to spur economic development and job growth, as well as accommodate the growing needs of electricity users.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support received throughout all stages of the project from landowners, township and county officials, and other community leaders who have made this transmission line possible,” said Lori Broghammer, area manager for ITC Midwest.
About the MVP 3 project
The ITC segment of the MVP project consists of 110 miles of 345,000 volt (345 kV) transmission lines, with approximately 75% of the line double circuited (two separate transmission lines on the same structures). To facilitate the project, ITC expanded its Lakefield, Minnesota substation, built a new substation at Huntley, Minnesota and constructed a new switching substation at Ledyard, Iowa.
A second segment of MVP 3, from the Kossuth County substation west to the O’Brien County substation, and south to the Webster County substation, was built and previously put into service by MidAmerican Energy Company. The entire MVP 3 project spans more than 200 miles.
Construction began in 2015, and the project was put into service in two phases. The 56-mile Lakefield to Huntley segment was energized on May 18, 2018. The 47-mile Huntley-Ledyard-Kossuth segment was energized on September 27, 2018.
Quick Facts about the ITC MVP 3 project
- Construction began: November 2015
- Length of line: 110 miles
- Total length of conductor used: 928 miles
- Approximately 75% of the line is double circuited
- Number of steel monopole structures: 585
- Distance between poles: 800 – 1,200 feet
- Average number of poles per mile: 5
- Height of poles: 110 – 195 feet
- Amount of concrete for pole and tower foundations: 88,170 cubic yards (equivalent to 9,800 mixer truckloads)
- Range of depth of the foundations: 40 to 102 feet
- Quantity of gravel used for road maintenance: 135,000 tons
- Base diameter of poles used: largest diameter pole is 13.5 feet, most are 6.5 feet in diameter
- Lakefield to Huntley 56-mile segment energized: May 18, 2018
- Huntley-Ledyard-Kossuth 54-mile segment energized: September 27, 2018
- General contractor: M.J. Electric
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