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As part of our strategic initiatives, we are committed to environmental leadership. Pursuing renewable energy alternatives and giving members the choice to support those initiatives is the right thing to do. With a wide variety of commercial and residential programs, we will partner with you in your efforts to go green, whether at home or at work.
Based in Ramsey, Minnesota, Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest consumer-owned electric cooperative, providing electricity and related products to member residents and businesses. The Connexus Energy Board of Directors, elected by our membership, governs the electric cooperative. We serve more than 146,000 members in portions of Anoka, Chisago, Hennepin, Isanti, Mille Lacs, Ramsey, Sherburne and Washington counties.
In April 2025, we enter the fifth year of our capital project to bury overhead electric lines. This year, nearly 500 of the remaining estimated 6,700 lots will have their lines buried. This conversion work is in two areas of our service territory.
Blaine project area map – click here.
Linwood Township project area map – click here.
**Project update** We will begin with phase 1 on the Blaine project area map above before moving to phase 2. Check back here to see where we are in the full project area.
These capital project conversions are designed to:
We aim to complete these conversions by the end of the year, although some restoration work may extend into early 2026. We anticipate the work for each project phase to take one to two months to complete.
Affected members were mailed a postcard in March. The overhead power line directly serving those homes (the line connecting the house/meter back to the pole) will be buried. If it is already buried, we will reroute the power to the new underground sources. All costs and coordination with electrical contractors will be paid for and managed by Connexus.
If you’re part of this project, please complete the form below. We record your acknowledgement and contact information for upcoming communications. An electrical contractor will contact you to:
Will it cost me anything to put the line underground?
No. Connexus covers all costs associated with bringing your service up to code and burying the lines that are part of this capital project.
Since you are running the new wire would there be any cost to increase my service to 200 amp?
We will run new wire and, if necessary, replace your meter socket as part of this project. The meter socket being installed is rated for up to 200 amps, ensuring it can handle your current and future needs. Upgrading your home's electrical panel to 200 amps is beyond the scope of this project and would require coordination with a licensed electrician at your own expense.
How are obstacles such as decks, concrete slabs, sprinkler systems, fences, etc. dealt with when burying the electric lines?
We will use boring to go under the obstacles. Since each property may have its own obstacles, a representative will reach out to you when the project gets closer to your home to discuss the details of your specific job.
Will the pole you installed to clear my garage be removed?
If the pole was used to raise your service wire and there are no other utilities attached, it will be removed. If other utilities are attached to the pole, contact your cable and/or phone provider to inquire about having those services buried so the pole can be removed.
Will phone and cable be buried at the same time?
No, phone and cable will not be buried. They are their own entities and therefore outside of our scope and budget for this project.
Will you stay in the rear easement or move to a roadside distribution network?
This project's scope is to build a roadside distribution network. This will eliminate overhead rear easement systems that are hard to access and eliminate clearing trees to keep the quality of service we want to provide.
Will I have a transformer in my yard?
Yes, you might, but we always try to share this by setting it on a lot line to share with a neighbor. If the transformer is on your lot, that box will provide you with power.
If I currently have underground lines from the overhead poles, will this project affect me?
Yes, if your underground power is fed from the overhead poles, it will need to be refed to the new system we are installing in the road right of way. We will likely splice into the existing underground line to minimize the work that needs to be done, but a representative will reach out to you to explain the work that needs to be done when our project gets closer to your home. You may be contacted at this point because you have an underground service, and we will need to get to a pole in your yard to remove or access something as part of this project. Again, we will reach out to you to let you know the specifics as they pertain to your lot as the project gets closer to your house.
How will Connexus communicate important project updates?
We’ll use letters, door hangers, emails and automated phone calls to keep you informed during this project. Updates will also be posted on this webpage as we move to new project areas, so you’ll always know where we’re working and what’s coming next.
How long will this project take and when will you get to my house?
The project will run in stages from April to October. We’ll update our website as we move into new stage areas. Your switchover – transitioning from overhead to underground power – will take 1-1.5 hours and may include an electrician installing a new meter base and connecting the underground cable. Removing the old system, such as pole tops and transformers, may continue into winter, and any necessary restorations (e.g., landscaping) may not be finished until next summer. We’ll contact you as the project approaches your area to coordinate and ensure your participation in the process.
Do I need to be home for this conversion?
No, not directly. Most communications can be done by phone or email. Please update your contact information using the reply card mailed to you in March or using the form below. If there are reasons that we need you to be home, we will work out those details with you as we assess your needs.
Will any work occur inside my home?
Inside work is uncommon, but it is possible. There may be electrical inspections that must be recorded, but those will be scheduled with you individually.
How long will I be out of power?
The switchover process is typically completed in 1-1.5 hours. We build the system to your property before we arrange the time to move you from the old system to the new system to minimize how long the switchover takes.
Can I choose not to participate in this project?
Yes, you can use the form below to tell us you do not want to have your line buried. If you do not convert your overhead service to an underground service, a new pole will be placed on your property to continue the overhead service to your home. If you decide later to have the line buried, all normal fees for the underground conversion and your private electrician will apply (ranging from $2,500-$3,500).
Will you restore my siding, roof and/or yard?
Yes, we’ll complete both temporary and permanent restorations throughout the process. Final restorations usually occur a few weeks after a switchover but may extend into early next summer for members impacted later in the construction season. Contractors will fill trenches and restore disturbed areas to their original condition, though some settling over time is normal. While we take great care around trees and shrubs, Connexus is not responsible for any damages. If items like fencing or swing sets need to be moved, you will need to return them to their original positions.
Will the poles in the back yard be removed?
The electric part of the pole (top) will be cleaned up and removed, but the communications part of the pole (bottom) will remain. If communications do not exist on the pole, the entire pole will be removed. Over half of the poles in this area are owned by the phone company, and we rent the space. The other half are owned by Connexus, and we will transfer ownership at the end of this process.
Who do I contact with repair and restoration questions?
If you have questions while you’re waiting for your repairs, restoration or removals, please call <add phones and/or emails for each project area’s contractors>
These four words focus on the most important component of our cooperative: our members. In a cooperative, everything we do is for the benefit of our membership. This vision provides daily inspiration to build powerful partnerships with our members.
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