Development
Our strength is our independence.
This independence allows us to operate an unbiased market, fairly evaluate transmission expansion proposals, approve requests to conduct business on the transmission system, analyze data to improve the efficiency of the high voltage transmission system, and work with multiple parties to resolve reliability issues before there are impacts to neighboring areas.
Identifying how to improve reliability and efficiency in the Midwest requires looking at proposals from multiple angles and determining how each piece fits in the whole picture.
When evaluating proposals for inclusion in the 2006 Transmission Expansion Plan, the Midwest ISO looks at reliability aspects, as well as the impacts on market efficiency. This evaluation showed that, by 2011, the expansions included in the study are expected to address 22 of the top 30 constraints to efficient delivery of energy occurring in 2006 market operations.
Partnership is key to successful planning in the Midwest. Our expertise is called upon to support proposals made at the state level to analyzing and supporting renewable energy objectives. The Midwest ISO works closely with Transmission Owners or groups of Transmission Owners as they develop plans to meet increasing demands for energy. The Midwest ISO provides input during the planning process and also determines how these plans link to other proposals throughout the region.
The Midwest ISO also remains an active participant in discussions regarding the increased use of renewable energy in the Midwest. The Midwest ISO supports this effort through participation in initiatives such as the Minnesota Wind Integration Study. This involvement is necessary as the generation portfolio changes in the Midwest. As an example, in 2006 wind represents about one percent of the total generation capacity in the Midwest. By 2011, that number is expected to increase to almost eight percent.
Independence facilitates competition.
In an independent environment, the process of building a new generator or expanding transmission can begin with the confidence that price signals being provided are true indicators of where needs exist. This trust flows through the planning process as an independent organization analyzes proposals and determines if the recommendations are in the best interest of the region.
The Midwest ISO's big picture view and knowledge of the region affords the ability to more readily identify the strengths of proposed enhancements to the high voltage transmission system. This view, coupled with the Midwest ISO’s independent nature, provides a level of confidence that support for projects is done with an eye toward supporting reliability and a strong market.
On the reliability side, our aim is to implement enhancements in a manner that allows energy to flow through the system in an effective, efficient, and reliable manner. On the business side, the planning process supports efforts to access low cost supplies while also reducing congestion on the system, making it easier to transfer energy between the buyer and seller. This philosophy is reflected in the 2006 Midwest Transmission Expansion Plan, which identifies more than 400 transmission expansion projects representing an investment of $3.9 billion through 2011.
Since the Midwest ISO began regional planning, our members have completed nearly $1 billion in improvement projects. These improvements include more than 460 miles of new transmission lines and upgrading almost 2,400 miles of transmission lines.
- $2.1 billion in committed projects by participating Transmission Owners through the year 2011 and forecast of an additional $1.5 billion for the same period
- Elimination of 22 of the top 30 constraints to market operations
- Five new expansion plans specifically addressing constraints in the newly identified Narrowly Constrained Area in Eastern Iowa and Minnesota
- Facilitation of new generation entry by providing expansions to accommodate 14,400 MW of new generation supply, 5,100 MW of which is base load supply and 2,810 MW of renewable resources through 2011.
- Provision for footprint-wide expansions at all transmission voltage levels including commitments for three new 345 kV and two 230 kV lines for service by 2011
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