CapX2020 partners have energized the final segment ofthe 345-kV Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse transmission line, which is intended toimprove reliability and provide new avenues for renewable energy.

The 156-mile link represents a $485 million investment andruns between the Hampton substation near Hampton, Minn., the North Rochestersubstation north of Pine Island, Minn., and the Briggs substation north of LaCrosse, Wis., according to a Sept. 26 release.

The project is jointly owned by , , DairylandPower Cooperative, Rochester Public Utilities and .

CapX2020 is a joint initiative of 11 transmission-owning utilities inMinnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin formed to upgrade andexpand the electric transmission grid. The CapX2020 partners have now invested$1.85 billion in completing four high-voltagetransmission line projects, totaling nearly 725 miles. A fifth project isscheduled for completion in 2017.