MISO says power grid ready for winter, but stresses risks remain
(Courtesy: Great River Energy)
The regional grid operator recently held its annual Winter Readiness Workshop, which featured transmission and generation outlooks as well as weather forecasts for the upcoming season.
The assessment shows adequate resources are available for winter but highlights the potential risks and challenges associated with cold and extreme weather operations.
“Having a clear picture of the risks is key to staying ahead of extreme weather,” said Jason Howard, director of operations risk management at MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator). “We work closely with our members to ensure we’re prepared—not just for what we expect, but also for the unexpected.”
The winter forecast indicates near- to slightly-below-normal temperatures across MISO’s north and central regions—which include Minnesota and the Dakotas—while the south region is expected to experience above-normal temperatures.
An active storm pattern is anticipated in the central region pushing north, likely creating above-normal precipitation across the Great Lakes while much of the south region is expected to remain dry.
MISO expects peak winter demand to be around 103 gigawatts (GW), but it could reach as high as 109 GW. Last winter, MISO reached a peak demand of 108 GW on Jan. 21, 2025, during Winter Storm Enzo.
MISO is emphasizing the importance of adapting to a changing energy landscape, especially as the generation fleet changes, demand increases and extreme weather events become more common.
(Courtesy: Great River Energy)
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