Clean Grid Alliance Applauds MISO for Approving 18-Line Transmission Plan that will Support 53 GW of Renewables

Plan sets forth the largest transmission portfolio in the nation

ST. PAUL, MINN. (July 25, 2022) – Today, the MISO Board of Directors approved the Tranche 1 Long-Range Transmission Plan (LRTP) portfolio of 18 transmission lines that will support 53,000 Megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy resource included in utilities' resource plans and states goals. The cost of the build-out is estimated to be $10.4 billion, but is expected to deliver $37 billion in financial benefits over 20 years.

Clean Grid Alliance is pleased by the decision of MISO's board of directors to approve the Tranche 1 portfolio of transmission lines identified through a 2-year planning process. "It has been a long time coming, but today's news is ground-breaking not only because it represents the biggest portfolio of transmission lines ever approved in the nation, but also because it will help support low-cost, reliable, renewable energy for consumers," said Clean Grid Alliance lead transmission consultant Natalie McIntire. "This $10 billion investment in transmission is monumental! But it is just the first step in much-needed investment in transmission capacity nationwide. We have more work to do to fully achieve carbon reduction goals and build a more resilient grid to withstand increased weather-related challenges."

Clean Grid Alliance has been a long-time advocate for transmission projects that can help deliver renewable energy. CGA supported the Multi-Value Projects (MVP), which were approved in 2011 and will be actively supporting the utilities and others who are building these transmission lines. "The Tranche 1 portfolio continues the great history that MISO started with the MVPs in supporting reliability, economic markets, and clean energy expansion. We are grateful to have 16 of the 17 MVP lines in service and fully expect the Cardinal-Hickory Creek line to be constructed," said CGA Executive Director Beth Soholt.

The approval of the LRTP Tranche 1 portfolio of transmission projects comes at a critical time. These lines will support transfer of power across the footprint and improve grid reliability; a concern that is on full display this summer as grid operators in many parts of the country grapple with increasing demand for electricity due to the extreme heat we're experiencing.

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Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. Launched in 2001, CGA has been an active stakeholder in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA's membership includes industry representatives working in wind, solar and storage as well as environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the renewable energy industry who come together to reduce carbon and deliver a renewable energy future.