MISO plays a critical role planning the grid of tomorrow. This responsibility is driven by input from our members and stakeholders. System planning ensures MISO can deliver reliable, affordable electricity today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. 

Here's an overview:

Resource Planning  

1. Resource Adequacy: MISO ensures there is sufficient generation capacity to meet future electricity demands. This involves forecasting demand growth, assessing existing generation assets, and planning for new generation resources.

2. Integrated Resource Planning (IRP): MISO works with utilities and other stakeholders to develop long-term plans that incorporate a mix of generation sources, including coal, gas, hydro, nuclear, wind, solar, batteries etc. to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness.

3. Capacity Markets: MISO operates capacity markets where utilities and other load-serving entities can procure the necessary generation capacity to meet projected demand. This incentivizes the development and maintenance of adequate generation resources.

Transmission Planning 

MISO collaborates with utilities, state regulators, and other stakeholders to identify and prioritize transmission projects. This  ensures that projects meet regional needs and regulatory requirements.

1. Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP): Focuses on addressing long-term transmission needs driven by anticipated changes in the generation mix, especially large-scale renewable integration and evolving demand patterns. These are large-scale, long-term, strategic projects. Components include renewable integration, grid modernization, and cross-regional coordination.

2. MISO Transmission Expansion Plans (MTEP): Annual planning to enhance reliability, reduce congestion, and integrate new generation resources, especially renewables. MTEP includes a wide range of projects from small upgrades to major expansions. Components include reliability, economic, generation interconnection, and policy projects.

3. Multi-Value Projects (MVPs): Focus on short to mid-term benefits. MVPs address immediate reliability, economic, and policy needs within a 10-year horizon.

4. Cost Allocation: MISO also establishes mechanisms for allocating the costs of transmission projects to beneficiaries. This ensures fair and equitable distribution of costs based on the benefits received.

MISO's planning processes aim to ensure a reliable, efficient, and resilient electric grid. One that can adapt to changing demand and generation patterns.