BHE U.S. Transmission Partners with Grid United on North Plains Connector Project
BHE U.S. Transmission has made a significant announcement today regarding its collaboration with Grid United through a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the development of the North Plains Connector transmission project. This project is set to become a landmark initiative in the U.S. energy grid modernization efforts, with an approximately 420-mile high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) transmission line linking the Eastern and Western electric grids in North Dakota and Montana.
The North Plains Connector will play a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of energy distribution across the region, addressing the rising energy demands in the U.S. and facilitating the delivery of renewable energy from areas rich in resources, such as the windy plains of Montana, to regions with high electricity consumption. According to Doug Kusyk, vice president and general counsel of BHE U.S. Transmission, the North Plains Connector is a crucial step forward in the continued modernization of the U.S. electric grid. This partnership is designed to create a more reliable energy transmission system, ensuring better power delivery to communities, businesses, and industries.
The terms of the MOU indicate that BHE U.S. Transmission will own 10% of the project, equivalent to 300 megawatts of the planned 3,000-megawatt capacity. The full project is a joint development effort by Grid United and ALLETE, Inc., which will result in the nation’s first HVDC transmission link among three regional electric energy markets—the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the Western Interconnection, and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP).
Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting that with the growing demand for reliable and affordable energy, projects like the North Plains Connector are essential for securing Montana’s place as an energy leader in the country. He emphasized that the continued expansion of transmission networks would help ensure the state’s energy future is resilient and capable of meeting the challenges posed by increased energy demand.
Grid United’s CEO, Michael Skelly, highlighted the strength of the project’s foundation, with utilities representing 75% of the line’s capacity already having signed MOUs to participate in the North Plains Connector. This growing coalition sets the stage for 2025 to be a year of significant progress, including the finalization of definitive agreements, engineering advancements, permitting, and construction preparations. Skelly also mentioned that Grid United would continue collaborating closely with local communities to ensure that the project would deliver maximum value for stakeholders and utility customers alike.
Bethany Owen, CEO of ALLETE, also expressed her excitement about the project and the growing partnership with BHE U.S. Transmission. She highlighted the importance of modern, flexible transmission infrastructure as a key element of ALLETE’s Sustainability in Action Strategy, underscoring the company’s commitment to building sustainable energy solutions for the future. She emphasized the collaborative approach needed to ensure the success of the North Plains Connector, which is designed to support the expansion of renewable energy sources, facilitate grid modernization, and enhance energy security across the nation.
The economic impact of the project has already begun to be felt, particularly in Montana, where the Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, Todd O’Hair, praised the announcement as a significant investment in the state’s future. He emphasized that the commitment of BHE U.S. Transmission and Grid United to develop the North Plains Connector project would not only improve energy infrastructure but also create more investment opportunities and boost confidence in Montana’s energy sector. The assurance of affordable and reliable electricity, O’Hair noted, is crucial for fostering economic growth and attracting new businesses to the state.
This transmission line project represents an estimated $3.2 billion investment across Montana and North Dakota, with substantial benefits for local economies, businesses, and consumers. The project is now entering the critical permitting phase, and regulatory filings are set to begin in the coming months. The developers are optimistic about receiving the necessary approvals by 2026, and construction is scheduled to start in 2028. Once completed, the transmission line is expected to be operational by 2032, contributing significantly to the U.S. energy grid’s capacity to handle increased demand and integrate more renewable energy sources.
The North Plains Connector transmission project is designed to be a game-changer for the U.S. energy landscape. It will provide a reliable, high-capacity transmission line that connects three major regional electric grids, facilitating the transfer of electricity across the country. With a focus on enhancing grid resilience, reducing transmission bottlenecks, and supporting the integration of renewable energy, this project has the potential to be a model for future transmission development across the U.S.
The collaboration between BHE U.S. Transmission, Grid United, and ALLETE is a testament to the growing commitment of energy companies to work together in addressing the complex challenges of modernizing the U.S. energy infrastructure. The North Plains Connector is just one example of the innovative approaches being taken to build a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the North Plains Connector is expected to create a significant number of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, providing economic opportunities in rural areas of Montana and North Dakota. The long-term benefits of this project will be felt throughout the region, as it not only strengthens the reliability and efficiency of the energy grid but also contributes to the continued growth of the clean energy sector.
As the U.S. faces increasing pressure to transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy system, projects like the North Plains Connector will be critical in achieving the country’s energy goals. The integration of renewable energy sources into the grid, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the improvement of grid reliability are all essential components of the U.S.’s energy future. By enhancing the transmission infrastructure, the North Plains Connector will help to ensure that renewable energy can be delivered to where it is needed most, supporting the nation’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and build a more sustainable energy system.
The North Plains Connector project also demonstrates the importance of collaboration between energy companies, regulators, and local communities. The successful completion of this project will require careful coordination and a shared commitment to building an energy grid that is resilient, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of future generations. The leadership of BHE U.S. Transmission, Grid United, ALLETE, and their partners will be crucial in driving this project forward and ensuring its success.
