WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) today announced 488 new transmission projects that will deliver clean energy to the Midwest. 

MISO approved over $30 billion in investments through its Long Range Transmission Planning Tranche 2.1. These projects are expected to deliver 5,053 miles of expanded transmission, provide critical interregional connections, and boost local grid reliability.  

Additional benefits of these MISO projects include:

• $8.1 billion in energy production savings due to more economical dispatch of electricity; 

• Reduced curtailment of energy production by 11.2% (27.1 megawatt hours); and 

• A buildout of 115 gigawatts (GW) of new energy resources. 

“Transmission expansion is critical for providing the clean energy and good jobs we need in the Midwest,” said BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Jason Walsh following the announcement of the transmission projects. “MISO and the Midwestern states worked together to find the most cost-effective and durable solutions that meet the reliability and load growth challenges of the next few decades. We are excited to see how these projects expand the grid’s capabilities and support local economic development.” 

“In addition to tens of thousands of jobs for line construction workers over many years, these transmission projects will create cascading economic development and maintenance jobs across the Midwest,” Cody Eigenheer, Assistant Business Manager, IBEW Local 55 in Iowa. “It will provide power for new manufacturing plants and lead to even more utility-scale clean energy to meet the region’s growing demand. Local folks are going to see the cost-savings, jobs, reliability, and climate benefits of these lines.” 

“It’s far smarter and cost-effective to plan these projects together at a regional level, making it possible for one area to provide power to a neighbor during an emergency,” said Mike Schowalter, Senior Manager of Wholesale Electric Grid Transition at Minnesota-based Fresh Energy. “It will allow more wind, solar, and other clean energy solutions to meet our growing needs at all times of day. And, it will improve grid reliability in our most vulnerable communities.”