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MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) is an independent, not-for-profit, member-based organization focused on three critical tasks:
- Managing the generation and transmission of high-voltage electricity across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba
- Managing the energy markets in the MISO region
- Planning the grid of tomorrow
42 million people depend on MISO to generate and transmit the right amount of electricity every minute of every day - reliably, dependably, and cost-effectively.
Our mission is to work collaboratively and transparently with our stakeholders to enable the reliable delivery of low-cost energy through efficient, innovative operations and planning.
Learn how we demonstrate our mission through our Corporate Strategy.
Managing the electric grid is, in many ways, similar to managing air traffic.
Air traffic controllers are responsible for moving people from point A to point B safely and reliably 24/7/365. They don’t own the airplanes, they don’t own the runways, they don’t own anything.
Instead of moving people, MISO operators are responsible for moving electricity. From where it is generated, to your local utilities. MISO doesn’t own the generators, the transmission
lines, or any part of the electric grid.
MISO’s role as a grid operator is to make sure the right amount of electricity is generated and transmitted to utilities reliably and at the lowest possible cost 24/7/365. Our member utilities ensure the power is delivered to their customers.
Understanding Power Outages
In the airline industry, when there aren’t enough planes or flight crews, flights get canceled. Passengers are stuck. Air traffic controllers continue to ensure travel continues for everyone else.
In the energy industry, when there isn’t enough generation or transmission, controlled outages can occur. MISO determines when these outages are necessary. Local utilities determine which customers will be impacted.
Like flight cancellations, controlled outages are always a last resort measure. They are implemented to protect the electric grid from collapsing and to keep power flowing to as many consumers as possible.
MISO became the nation's first FERC-approved Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) on December 20, 2001. Since then, the size of the MISO region has expanded from our northern borders into Canada, down to the Gulf of Mexico.
Today, MISO ensures the safe and reliable deliver of electricity to the 42 million people who live in the MISO region. Learn more about how a simple vision changed the way the energy industry operates.
It's our leadership team that makes MISO a great place to work. Their inspiration, vision and drive ensures our team delivers the value our members expect.