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

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