Minnesota regulators have sided with two utilities in allowing plans for three 345-kilovolt transmission lines to move forward.
The state Public Utilities Commission, meeting in St. Paul on Thursday, granted a certificate of need for the CapX2020 project, but placed conditions on one of the lines.
The transmission lines crossing through eastern South Dakota and southwestern Minnesota will have to carry energy produced by renewable sources, such as wind power.
Xcel Energy and Great River Energy pushed for the lines, but they still need permits for the routes.
The lines also face regulatory hurdles in Wisconsin, South Dakota and North Dakota.
The utilities say the lines are needed to meet future demand in the Upper Midwest.
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