The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc. (Midwest ISO) board of directors recently approved the applications of MidAmerican Energy Co., Muscatine Power and Water (MP&W) and the Municipal Electric Utility of the City of Cedar Falls, Iowa, to join the Midwest ISO as transmission-owning members. The entities will integrate into Midwest ISO operations on Sept. 1.
The three new transmission-owning members will turn over functional control of their transmission systems to the Midwest ISO, increasing the regional grid's efficiency and reliability. In addition, the three members will add close to 7,500 MW of generating capacity to Midwest ISO's footprint.
By joining Midwest ISO, the companies also will benefit from its regional planning efforts that identify the most effective locations and means for generation, transmission and equipment upgrades.
Midwest ISO's long-term transmission expansion planning is expected to provide savings and cost reductions of approximately $1 billion annually by 2013.
SOURCE: Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator Inc.
