Gridliance | Maribell Transmission

Introducing the MariBell Transmission Project

A strong electric grid means communities have reliable power, especially when they need it most. As energy demand in the Upper Midwest continues to rise, the MariBell Transmission Project is modernizing lines to meet the needs of homes, farms and local businesses.

Connect with the Team

The proposed MariBell Transmission Project is an approximately 140-mile, 765 kilovolt (kV)/161 kV double circuit transmission line developed by American-owned companies, Dairyland Power Cooperative and GridLiance Heartland. It will stretch from Marion, Minn., to Bell Center, Wis., crossing through Olmstead, Mower, Fillmore and Houston counties in Minnesota, and Vernon and Crawford counties in Wisconsin. This project is part of a larger effort by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional transmission organization covering 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba, to maintain a resilient and flexible electric grid.

This project is being developed in close consultation with landowners, Tribal Nations, local governments and conservationists. MariBell is expected to be in service by 2034.

Protecting Local Agriculture

Modernizing Our Grid

Safeguarding Natural Resources

Energy That Works for Your Community

The MariBell Transmission Project will make the most of existing rights-of-way to deliver long-overdue upgrades to the Upper Midwest power grid with efficiency and transparency — all while generating new revenue that can enhance schools, roads and other essential services across the project area’s counties.

Leveraging existing locations to minimize impact

The proposed transmission line will use existing transmission corridors wherever possible to maximize efficiency and avoid impact to local farmland.

Modern demand meets modern technology

MariBell will reinforce the Upper Midwest grid in an era of unprecedented energy demand. The MariBell Transmission Project replaces outdated technology dating back as far as the 1950s with advanced, modern infrastructure.

Working directly with communities

The MariBell team will work closely with landowners, Tribal Nations, local governments and conservationists to protect farmland and natural resources while giving rural communities critical access to low-cost, reliable energy.

Supporting local schools and roads

MariBell will help fund roads, schools, parks, emergency response services and other essential infrastructure by generating a forecasted $530 million* in local and state tax revenue in Minnesota and Wisconsin over the life of the project.