MISO Focusing on Reliability During Electricity Demand Surge

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) region is undergoing rapid change, with electric demand forecast to levels not seen in decades, according to a press release sent by MISO.

In an updated version of its reliability imperative report, MISO said it is working collaboratively with its members and states to advance timely resource development, coordinate large-load planning and align decision-making.

“Since launching the Reliability Imperative over five years ago, MISO has prepared for a grid operating under new realities,” said MISO Chief Executive Officer John Bear. “We knew reliability would be tested and those actions are paying off.”

Energy-intensive users such as data centers, manufacturing expansion and electrification are increasing electricity demand to levels not seen in decades. While electricity demand growth was relatively flat across the MISO footprint at an annual average of 0.5% between 2009 and 2024, MISO is projecting a substantial increase of up to 2.1% per year through 2044.

“The stakes have never been higher, but neither has our sense of purpose,” adds John Bear. “The Reliability Imperative continues to guide decisions we make, to anticipate challenges, move with urgency, and uphold reliability and efficiency as the foundation of our region’s progress.”

To date, MISO, its member utilities and its state partners have made significant strides to meet the moment.  However, emerging operational risks continue to guide MISO’s planning, operations and market design. MISO has updated its long-term planning scenarios, implemented queue reforms and launched its expedited resource addition study (ERAS) process to accelerate “speed to power” by reducing study times and moving critical projects to service faster.

Transmission planning also continues in the Midwest and South, and operational improvements, from dynamic operating reserve requirements to updated accreditation, are aligning reliability tools with evolving risk patterns.

The Reliability Imperative is MISO’s long-term framework for sustaining reliability as the energy system becomes more complex. This framework integrates reforms across markets, operations and transmission to address emerging risks before they materialize. Introduced in 2020, it reflects the shared responsibility of MISO, its members and states to anticipate system risks, align investments and modernize operations for the decades ahead.