CARMEL, Ind. — The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) anticipates heavy energy demands through the Presidents Day weekend due to sustained frigid temperatures and inclement weather. The impact of winter weather is widespread across MISO’s footprint but is particularly harsh in the South Region. MISO is working closely with its members to maintain system reliability amid the extreme conditions.

 “The current load forecasts in the South Region are approaching an all-time winter peak of 32 GW in comparison to last year’s peak of 27 GW, making this a very difficult situation,” said Renuka Chatterjee, executive director – System Operations at MISO. “We are in constant contact with our members and our partner ISO/RTOs to ensure the reliability of the bulk electric system.”

 The MISO Reliability Coordinator (RC) has declared Conservative Operations, effective from February 14 at 12pm ET until February 16 at 11:59pm ET. This is in addition to the Cold Weather Alert, effective from February 13 at 12:00am ET to February 16 at 11:59pm ET for entities in the entire Balancing Authority Area. MISO has also issued a Maximum Generation Capacity Advisory for the South Region effective Monday, February 15 at 9am until further notice.

 “Keeping the lights on requires a high level of coordination and collaboration with our members and the communities they serve,” said Daryl Brown, executive director – South Region at MISO.  “Although we are experiencing unusual weather in the South, we are working together to meet that challenge.”

 MISO’s market functions are performing as designed. Operators follow established procedures and rely on extensive training and preparation to manage this event. Temperatures are expected to remain below normal for the next few days. MISO Operating Procedures provide details on the Alerts, Advisories or Declarations that MISO may issue during Emergency Operations.

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.