Backers of the $2.5-billion North Plains Connector say they aim to begin permit approval this year for a 385-mile, high-voltage direct-current transmission line that could be first in the U.S. to link three large regional power grids—Western Interconnection, Midcontinent Independent System Operator and Southwest Power Pool—allowing shared energy from multiple sources and boosted system reliability.
Independent developer Grid United says the transmission line would extend from central North Dakota to southeastern Montana and would carry up to 3,000 MW between the three power markets—also known as WECC, MISO and SPP, respectively (see map above).