CHICAGO (December 12, 2024)—The Midwest is going to see a historic, nearly $22 billion worth of investments in its electric transmission system following a vote today by the board of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the organization charged with maintaining a reliable electric transmission system across 15 Midwestern and Southern states. This milestone in MISO’s Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) process will drive significant grid modernization via 24 projects stretching from Michigan to the Dakotas, enabling a clean energy buildout that prioritizes reliability and delivers measurable benefits for the 30 million people served by the grid.
MISO conducted a rigorous stakeholder engagement process to inform a benefit-cost analysis, determining these projects will benefit consumers for decades at a rate of $1.80 to $3.50 for every dollar spent—a conservative estimate given that the impacts of reduced air pollution and public health gains were not factored into the calculation.
Below is a statement by Sam Gomberg, associate director of transmission policy with the Climate and Energy Program at UCS. Gomberg has been engaged in the LRTP process for years via stakeholder meetings, submitting public comments and engaging directly with MISO staff and leadership.
“The MISO board of directors today approved a crucial, cost-effective plan that will benefit consumers for decades to come by investing in a reliable, resilient, clean energy future. These investments will enable MISO’s Midwest region to achieve a 96% reduction in carbon emissions with wind, solar, and storage meeting more than 80% of regional energy needs.
“In an industry first, MISO used a robust set of ‘benefit metrics’ to quantify how grid investments will deliver for consumers. While decreased carbon emissions are important, ratepayers will also save money due to fewer outages during extreme weather, recoup savings through reduced energy losses, and more. MISO’s analysis shows that these benefits are spread widely across the region, ensuring no one is overpaying for their share.
“The 24 projects will also be an economic boon for the region. Beyond the initial tens of thousands of jobs and billions in economic output, the renewable energy that will ultimately connect to these new transmission lines will bring additional jobs by the hundreds of thousands and infrastructure investments by the billions. This shows that smart, science-based grid planning isn’t just good for consumers’ health, wallets and the environment, it’s also good for business.
“For over a decade, UCS has been advocating for comprehensive grid modernization. We will continue pushing to make sure these investments are backed by the best available science and take into account the region’s most vulnerable and historically disadvantaged communities. While MISO customers are celebrating, laggards like PJM Interconnectionshould be taking notes.”
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