PJM Interconnection, MISO to collaborate on interregional study
PJM Interconnection and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) will collaborate on an informational interregional transfer capability study.
The study, set to be performed during the second half of 2024, the study will identify potential opportunities for near-term transmission enhancements along the seam shared by PJM and MISO.
PJM Interconnection coordinates and directs the operation of the region’s transmission grid, which includes 88,115 miles of transmission lines. It serves 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. MISO delivers electric power to 45 million people across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba.
Increasing transfer capability between regions may help to support greater grid resilience, particularly following extreme weather events and the influx of renewable generation resources.
“PJM looks forward to embarking on this study process with MISO as a path to increased coordination,” Paul McGlynn, PJM vice president – planning, said. “Ensuring a reliable energy transition requires greater interdependence among regions and careful planning. Advancing this enhanced effort will benefit electricity consumers in each region.”
The study will be driven by input received from the Organization of PJM States (OPSI), the Organization of MISO States (OMS), and the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA).
“MISO and PJM have a long history of working together to address operational and planning challenges in our regions,” Aubrey Johnson, vice president system planning and competitive transmission at MISO, said. “As we continue to focus on our Reliability Imperative efforts, we understand the need to explore interregional planning, and with encouragement from OPSI, OMS and MGA, we will conduct a study that will address both near-term needs and create a model for future studies.”
Specifically, PJM and MISO will work together to explore opportunities to engage in joint transmission analysis and coordinated modeling. They will also look to leverage planning processes to promote reliability and resiliency through holistic, efficient and cost-effective transmission planning for ratepayers.
The study is targeted for conclusion in early 2025. At that time, both grid operators will share their findings with the Interregional Planning Stakeholder Advisory Committee, an organization established by PJM and MISO to review coordinated system planning activities with all stakeholder groups.
