Following years of planning and construction, ITC Midwest has completed and energized a major new, high voltage  electric transmission line, according to a press release. As a 103-mile segment of Multi-Value Project 3, the 345,000 volt 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 approved by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator 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 release said.

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.

As it has throughout planning and construction, ITC will continue to work closely with landowners, county officials and neighboring utilities, as well as economic development and community leaders.

“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.

Although the MVP 3 project is substantially complete, residents in the area will still see crews working to remove construction materials, finish clean-up activities and restore land affected by construction.

Studies by MISO, the regional authority that oversees electric transmission for a multi-state area that includes Minnesota and Iowa, show that the MVPs are anticipated to produce benefits for customers in the broader region of between 2.2 and 3.4 times project costs.