MISO Board Approves Tranche 2 Long-Range Transmission Plan

Executive briefing: On December 7, 2023 the Midcontinent Independent System Operator Board of Directors approved Tranche 2 of its Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP), advancing 19 projects spanning 3,500 miles with an estimated $23 billion investment. The portfolio strengthens north–south transfer capability, integrates renewables, and improves resilience to extreme weather.

Key policy signals

• Regional coverage. Projects stretch from the Dakotas to Louisiana, reinforcing seams between MISO’s North, Central, and South regions.
• Reliability focus. MISO highlighted resilience benefits during extreme winter and summer conditions, citing reduced load-shed risk and congestion savings.
• Cost allocation. Costs will be shared regionally under MISO’s LRTP framework, with filing of tariffs and state outreach beginning immediately.

Control alignment

• Load balancing. Reevaluate contingency planning for facilities across MISO’s footprint using the approved transfer capability increases.
• Capital coordination. Coordinate with utilities on outage planning and substation upgrades required to tie into LRTP projects.
• Policy engagement. Track state regulatory proceedings where cost allocation and routing decisions will be finalized.

Action checklist

• Monitor MISO tariff filings implementing Tranche 2 to confirm cost allocation impacts on corporate energy budgets.
• Update renewable procurement models to include additional interconnection headroom created by the LRTP projects.
• Engage local authorities early for siting and easement discussions affecting existing operations along project corridors.

Sources

• MISO — Board Approves Second Tranche of Long-Range Transmission Plan (December 7, 2023)
• MISO — LRTP Tranche 2 Report

Zeph Tech advises MISO-region operators on integrating LRTP upgrades into resilience plans and capital roadmaps.

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