At MISO, grid reliability is our mission. And like any critical mission, it requires teamwork across sectors. That’s why MISO welcomed 23 senior leaders from the Air National Guard and affiliated military agencies on April 25 for a strategic visit focused on cybersecurity, mission assurance and energy resilience. 

These military leaders came from across the North and Central U.S. representing 10 states. Their visit included a comprehensive overview of MISO’s operations and an in-depth tour of our control room. But this wasn’t just a tour. It marked another step in a growing partnership between MISO and the U.S. military—one aimed at defending the energy grid from evolving cyber threats. 

In today’s threat landscape, no organization can go it alone. Over the years, MISO has collaborated with the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Energy, and the Department of Defense to share intelligence, coordinate responses and align our strategies. These partnerships are essential to keeping the grid secure. 

Beyond threat defense, MISO is also helping veterans and service members transition into the energy workforce. Through partnerships with organizations like INvets, and the efforts of our security, human resources, and Veterans Resource Group (VRG) teams, we’re connecting veterans to careers in cybersecurity, operations, and more. Already, six MISO employees have come through this pipeline. 

As cyber threats grow in scale and sophistication, so must our response. By strengthening our ties with the military and other agency partners, we’re building a stronger, more resilient energy future. When it comes to grid security, we truly are stronger together.