MISO Selects Republic Transmission for Major New Power Line Project
On July 30, 2025, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) announced its decision to award Republic Transmission, LLC the responsibility for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining a new 345 kV single-circuit transmission line, as part of its significant infrastructural expansion initiative. This project, an indication of MISO's commitment to updating and improving regional grid reliability, is designed to bolster the energy transmission capacity along the Kentucky-Indiana border.
The new power line will stretch across approximately 26 miles, linking the Reid Extra High-Voltage Substation in Kentucky to the Culley Substation in Indiana. This initiative marks the first competitive project awarded under MISO's Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 2.1 program, which received approval in December 2024 and is set to go live by June 1, 2032. The estimated cost for the project is approximately $78 million, which includes essential capitalized construction financing expenses.
Paul Thessen, the president of LS Power and its transmission arm, LS Power Grid, expressed excitement over this new partnership with MISO. He emphasized the importance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in today's energy sector, highlighting their solid track record in delivering reliable transmission systems not just within MISO’s operational bounds, but across America. According to Thessen, the successful proposal reflects their team's capability in presenting cost-efficient solutions that not only meet regulatory expectations but also deliver value to electricity consumers.
The selection process adhered to the guidelines of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 1000, focusing on competitive selection. Jeremiah Doner, who heads MISO's cost allocation and competitive transmission department, acknowledged that Republic Transmission's proposal was cost-effective, offering a lower bid than the closest contender. This pricing strategy includes robust cost control measures extending for 40 years post-project commencement.
Republic Transmission has proven its mettle in the competitive transmission sector before. Notably, in 2016, the company was awarded the Duff-to-Coleman transmission line project spanning Indiana and Kentucky, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget by 2020. Most recently, in 2023, it won the Indiana segment of the Hiple-to-Helix transmission project, expected to connect Indiana and Michigan and operational by 2030.
Republic Transmission is an integral part of LS Power's extensive energy infrastructure network, with a mission to facilitate reliable and economical electric transmission within the MISO region. This utility is primarily owned by LS Power, while Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. holds a minority interest in it, showcasing a partnership that supports local energy needs.
Established in 1990, LS Power has become a leading entity in energy infrastructure development, investment, and operations throughout North America. The firm has executed projects amounting to 50,000 MW of power generation, encompassing various technologies like utility-scale solar, wind, hydropower, battery storage, and natural gas systems. In its transmission endeavors, LS Power Grid has built over 780 miles of high-voltage lines, with ongoing initiatives extending another 375 miles. LS Power continues to invest in sectors that adapt to the increasing demands of energy, including electric vehicle infrastructure, microgrids, and renewable energy solutions.
Republic Transmission's latest achievement with MISO not only reinforces its established position within the energy sector but also signals a progressive approach to enhancing energy distribution efficiencies in the region, benefiting consumers through competitive pricing and improved infrastructure. With the groundwork laid for upcoming projects, the collaboration between MISO and Republic Transmission is anticipated to contribute significantly to the robustness of the energy grid, ensuring reliable power transmission and supporting ongoing demand.
The new power line will stretch across approximately 26 miles, linking the Reid Extra High-Voltage Substation in Kentucky to the Culley Substation in Indiana. This initiative marks the first competitive project awarded under MISO's Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) Tranche 2.1 program, which received approval in December 2024 and is set to go live by June 1, 2032. The estimated cost for the project is approximately $78 million, which includes essential capitalized construction financing expenses.
Paul Thessen, the president of LS Power and its transmission arm, LS Power Grid, expressed excitement over this new partnership with MISO. He emphasized the importance of efficiency and cost-effectiveness in today's energy sector, highlighting their solid track record in delivering reliable transmission systems not just within MISO’s operational bounds, but across America. According to Thessen, the successful proposal reflects their team's capability in presenting cost-efficient solutions that not only meet regulatory expectations but also deliver value to electricity consumers.
The selection process adhered to the guidelines of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 1000, focusing on competitive selection. Jeremiah Doner, who heads MISO's cost allocation and competitive transmission department, acknowledged that Republic Transmission's proposal was cost-effective, offering a lower bid than the closest contender. This pricing strategy includes robust cost control measures extending for 40 years post-project commencement.
Republic Transmission has proven its mettle in the competitive transmission sector before. Notably, in 2016, the company was awarded the Duff-to-Coleman transmission line project spanning Indiana and Kentucky, which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget by 2020. Most recently, in 2023, it won the Indiana segment of the Hiple-to-Helix transmission project, expected to connect Indiana and Michigan and operational by 2030.
Republic Transmission is an integral part of LS Power's extensive energy infrastructure network, with a mission to facilitate reliable and economical electric transmission within the MISO region. This utility is primarily owned by LS Power, while Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. holds a minority interest in it, showcasing a partnership that supports local energy needs.
Established in 1990, LS Power has become a leading entity in energy infrastructure development, investment, and operations throughout North America. The firm has executed projects amounting to 50,000 MW of power generation, encompassing various technologies like utility-scale solar, wind, hydropower, battery storage, and natural gas systems. In its transmission endeavors, LS Power Grid has built over 780 miles of high-voltage lines, with ongoing initiatives extending another 375 miles. LS Power continues to invest in sectors that adapt to the increasing demands of energy, including electric vehicle infrastructure, microgrids, and renewable energy solutions.
Republic Transmission's latest achievement with MISO not only reinforces its established position within the energy sector but also signals a progressive approach to enhancing energy distribution efficiencies in the region, benefiting consumers through competitive pricing and improved infrastructure. With the groundwork laid for upcoming projects, the collaboration between MISO and Republic Transmission is anticipated to contribute significantly to the robustness of the energy grid, ensuring reliable power transmission and supporting ongoing demand.
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