BHE U.S. Transmission today announced it has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with North Plains Connector LLC, a wholly owned entity of Grid United, for the development of the North Plains Connector transmission project. The North Plains Connector is an approximately 420-mile high-voltage direct-current transmission line that will connect the U.S. Eastern and Western electric grids in North Dakota and Montana.

“The North Plains Connector transmission project will play a key role in further modernizing and enhancing the U.S. energy grid,” said Doug Kusyk, vice president and general counsel, BHE U.S. Transmission. “We are excited to partner on this critical transmission project to provide greater reliability throughout the region.”

Under the MOU, and subject to successful negotiation of definitive agreements, BHE U.S. Transmission would own 10%, or 300 megawatts, of the 3,000-megawatt project.

“With rising demand on the nation’s power grid, the U.S. must expand access to affordable and reliable energy,” said Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte. “I’m grateful to BHE U.S. Transmission and the North Plains Connector project for this important collaboration, which will help solidify Montana’s place as an energy leader. Together, we will continue working to power America’s future by unleashing American-made energy.”

Grid United and ALLETE, Inc. are jointly developing the project. Once completed, the project will be the nation’s first high-voltage direct-current transmission link among three regional electric energy markets – the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, the Western Interconnection and the Southwest Power Pool.

“Utilities accounting for 75% of the line’s capacity have now signed MOUs to participate in North Plains Connector,” said Michael Skelly, CEO, Grid United. “With this strong set of participants going into 2025, we look forward to a year of finalizing definitive agreements, advancing engineering, permitting and construction preparations, and working closely with host communities to ensure a project that delivers value for both stakeholders and utility customers.”

“We are excited to welcome BHE U.S. Transmission to this growing coalition, as a strong foundation of working together will be necessary to build a resilient and reliable energy grid,” said Bethany Owen, CEO, ALLETE. “Modern, flexible transmission infrastructure is a critical component of ALLETE’s Sustainability in Action Strategy, and we look forward to working with Grid United and all of the participants in bringing the innovative North Plains Connector to fruition.”

“Affordable energy is foundational to any economy and today’s announcement represents a massive investment in Montana’s future as a regional energy leader,” said Todd O’Hair, president and CEO, Montana Chamber of Commerce. “BHE U.S. Transmission’s memorandum of understanding with Grid United to develop the North Plains Connector project builds upon their commitment to the state and is welcome news to all Montana businesses. Reliable, affordable electricity paves the way for increased confidence and investment opportunities in our state. We are thrilled these two respected companies have chosen Montana for their investments.”

The North Plains Connector transmission line project in total represents an approximately $3.2 billion investment in Montana and North Dakota. The project is entering the permitting phase and initiating regulatory filings, with approvals expected in 2026. Construction is expected to commence in 2028, and the transmission line is expected to be operational in 2032.