Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data.
The power grid in North Dakota, much like the state's highway system, requires expansion to meet growing demands. Just as Interstate 94 connects communities across the Midwest, new transmission lines are needed to connect power producers to regional markets. This expansion is essential to meet both current and future electricity needs, ensuring our communities have electricity when they need it and provide export opportunities for our generation developers.
The North Dakota Transmission Authority, established in 2005, has played a pivotal role in advancing transmission line development, crucial for supporting our electric generators. As the state experienced massive growth during the Bakken Oil Boom, electricity demand surged, challenging power suppliers. Now, several large-scale transmission projects are set to begin, aiming to alleviate congestion and make the grid more reliable. This is great news for North Dakota.
Notably, Otter Tail Power and MDU are developing a 345kV transmission line from Jamestown to Ellendale that is scheduled to go online in 2028, part of a regional grid that promises significant benefits. The North Plains Connector from Center, North Dakota, to Colstrip, Montana, will be the first of its kind, connecting the grid of the western U.S. with the grid of the eastern U.S. Basin Electric has multiple transmission lines under development, including a line from Killdeer to Johnsons Corner in the oil patch, a line on the east side of Lake Audubon, and two additional lines connecting northern North Dakota to Saskatchewan. And Minnesota Power -- Allete is modernizing its large transmission line that connects Center, North Dakota, to Duluth, Minnesota -- a project that will almost double the amount of power that can efficiently flow in both directions.
Simply put, these new transmission lines and modernization projects will make our grid more reliable and grow our energy economy.
North Dakota's 30,000 miles of pipelines have helped make us an international leader in oil and gas. And expanding our power grid with new transmission lines is vital for economic growth. The Transmission Authority remains committed to supporting and growing our power grid for all North Dakotans. Continuing to build infrastructure -- whether it's roads, pipelines, or transmission lines -- is critical to the state's future prosperity.