Studies and Reports > 2009 MN Biennial Report > NE Planning Zone > Needs: 6.3.21 Barrows Area

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6.3.21 Barrows Area

Tracking Number: 2009-NE-N8

Utility: Great River Energy

Inadequacy: GRE member cooperative Crow Wing Power has requested interconnection of a new Barrows distribution substation on the south side of the Brainerd/Baxter area. The existing distribution system cannot reliably serve the area load growth.

A map of the area is shown on the following page.

Alternatives. The Brainerd-Southdale 115 kV line offers the only transmission source to this area. A Minnesota Power 34.5 kV distribution line is underbuilt on the same structures. The load delivery point is expected to be approximately one mile from this transmission line.

Analysis. The Brainerd-Southdale 115 kV line was constructed to offload the 34.5 kV system as the 34.5 kV system cannot handle the loading of the GRE member co-op substations. Thus, a 115 kV connection will be sought.

Schedule. GRE will coordinate with Crow Wing Power to see when the new substation needs to be energized. The best estimate is that the new facilities will be required in 2014.

Click here or on map below to download high resolution PDF map.