The 2024 Mid-America Regulatory Conference showcased a tug-of-war of positivity and cynicism over meeting growing demand with a fleet that should evolve faster to meet clean energy goals.

MISO said after its experience with its first long-range transmission portfolio, it no longer wants to open simple, conductor-only projects to its competitive bidding process.

MISO’s Independent Market Monitor continues to cast doubt on the theoretical benefits estimates of the second long-range transmission projects as the RTO intends to add more projects to the already $17 billion to $23 billion portfolio.

MISO hopes to use the summer to polish its approximately $20 billion second long-range transmission portfolio and have it ready for board approval by mid-September.

MISO has selected Ameren Transmission Co. of Illinois to build a third transmission project stemming from the RTO's long-range transmission portfolio.

MISO and PJM are deliberating whether to embark on an interregional transmission study this year as they field more calls from stakeholders to revamp their joint planning framework.

MISO’s conceptual, $20 billion, 765-kV transmission suggestion took top billing at Board Week, with some members asserting MISO has even more transmission to plan if it wants to meet the future confidently.

MISO suggested an approximately $20 billion portfolio for its second long-range transmission planning effort that contains several 765-kV line segments.

Entergy regulatory staff revealed their vision for cost allocation on future long-range transmission projects, with multiple clean energy groups deeming the proposal incompatible with building a grid ready for the future.