MISO workshop focused on lessons learned from the February Arctic Event report

Leadership provided event analysis and discussed implications for the Reliability Imperative

CARMEL, Ind. — The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) recently published The February Arctic Event providing event details, lessons learned and implications for the Reliability Imperative. The RTO hosted a today and shared detailed information about how MISO managed the particularly challenging conditions of February 14 – 18, 2021, especially in the South Region.

“While we were able to successfully manage the grid during extreme conditions, this experience reinforced the urgency to enhance our planning, markets, and operational processes and systems to maintain grid reliability,” said Wayne Schug, vice president, strategy and business development at MISO.

MISO’s Response to the Reliability Imperative focuses on preparing the region for a future that will include a high penetration of intermittent generation resources, increasing electrification and increased frequency of extreme weather.  This includes identifying changes to planning, markets and operations and systems that will, in part, be needed to maintain reliability during more frequent extreme events in the future.

“MISO faces a rapidly evolving grid with a changing resource mix. Add to that a dramatic weather event such as the February Arctic freeze in the South, and it is clear that MISO’s continued focus on the Reliability Imperative is needed ensure reliable operations into the future,” said Schug. “We have experienced and expect to continue to see more weather events that could impact the grid.”

The Arctic Event Workshop details are available on the MISO website. The report details five key takeaways, 20 specific lessons learned and over 35 actions for MISO to take, often in conjunction with our member utilities, regulators or other partners.

About MISO
Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. MISO is committed to reliable, nondiscriminatory operation of the bulk power transmission system and collaborating with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry. MISO operates one of the world’s largest energy markets with nearly $22 billion in annual gross market energy transactions.