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MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organization focused on three critical tasks:
- Managing the flow of high-voltage electricity across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba
- Facilitating one of the world's largest energy markets with more than $40 billion in annual transactions
- Planning the grid of the future
45 million people depend on MISO to generate and transmit the right amount of electricity every minute of every day - reliably, dependably, and cost-effectively.
Our mission is to work collaboratively and transparently with our stakeholders to enable the reliable delivery of low-cost energy through efficient, innovative operations and planning.
Learn how we demonstrate our mission through our Corporate Strategy.
Managing the electric grid is like managing air traffic. Air traffic controllers oversee the safe, reliable movement of people from one point to another. They do not own airplanes or runways – they simply ensure passengers and flight crews reach their destinations as swiftly as possible.
Instead of moving people, MISO moves electricity from where it’s generated to local utilities. MISO does not own pylons, transmission lines or generators; it simply ensures the right amount of electricity is delivered in the most reliable, affordable and sustainable way possible. Like an air traffic controller, MISO operators work 24/7/365 to keep its market safe and happy. While air traffic controllers help move people around the globe, MISO makes sure the lights stay on for the 45 million people in its region.
Understanding Power Outages
In the airline industry, when there aren’t enough planes or flight crews, flights get canceled. Passengers are stuck. Air traffic controllers continue to ensure travel continues for everyone else.
In the energy industry, when there isn’t enough generation or transmission, controlled outages can occur. MISO determines when these outages are necessary. Local utilities determine which customers will be impacted.
Like flight cancellations, controlled outages are always a last resort measure. They are implemented to protect the electric grid from collapsing and to keep power flowing to as many consumers as possible.
MISO became the nation's first FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) on December 20, 2001. Since then, the size of the MISO region has expanded from our northern borders into Canada, down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, MISO ensures the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to the 45 million people who live in the MISO region. Learn more about how a simple vision changed the way the energy industry operates.
It's our leadership team that makes MISO a great place to work. Their inspiration, vision and drive ensures our team delivers the value our members expect.