At Conway Corp, we strive daily to communicate with our customers, often being a text or Facebook message away. At any given time, you probably have multiple devices, appliances and tv’s going at the same time. In this weather, there is no doubt that your air conditioning unit is working a double to cool your home. Ever wonder how the lights stay on, your phone stays charged, and your favorite shows streaming at your house?
Say hello to MISO, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator. Our unsung energy superhero is an independent, not-for-profit organization that is responsible for operating the power grid in 15 U.S. states and even a chunk of Canada and makes sure we have all the electricity we need, right when we need it.
Let’s dive into who MISO is and why they’re so important for keeping our energy use in check.
MISO was formed in 1998 and has been rocking the energy world ever since. They keep the power flowing smoothly from the Gulf of Mexico all the way up to the Canadian border, handling a large, diverse area with all kinds of energy needs.
MISO has three main superpowers:
- Keeping the electricity grid stable and reliable so our lives aren’t interrupted.
- Running energy markets where electricity gets bought and sold at the best prices.
- Planning and improving the big web of power lines that crisscross their region.
Long story short: MISO matters for energy conservation.
MISO’s top job is making sure the electricity grid is always in tip-top shape. They’re like the ultimate traffic controller for power, making sure there’s no overload and no energy goes to waste. This means less wasted energy and can lead to more savings for everyone.
As we shift to include cleaner, greener energy, MISO is right there, making it happen. They help plug in renewable energy sources like our new solar plant in White County into the grid and manage their ups and downs to keep everything running smoothly.
Just like other goods, electricity is traded in wholesale and retail markets. MISO handles the buying and selling of wholesale electricity in its region, operating one of the largest wholesale electricity markets in the world. Hundreds of companies participate in MISO’s four energy markets, trading billions of dollars’ worth of electricity every year. This competition drives innovation and helps everyone save energy and money.
MISO’s long-term planning works to prepare our power lines for anything. By upgrading and expanding the grid, they cut down on energy losses and make sure electricity travels as efficiently as possible.
When disaster strikes, like crazy weather or other crises, MISO coordinates emergency responses. In extreme cases, MISO may activate emergency plans, resulting in load shedding (reducing the electricity demand) outside of seasonal full load control hours (2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer). If the power grid is nearing capacity, customers like Conway Corporation will be asked to begin conservation measures such as limiting the use of air conditioning. We may recommend customers delay using dishwashers, washers, dryers, and other non-essential electricity items. These measures take pressure off the grid to help keep the lights on and avoid blackouts.
MISO might not wear a cape, but they’re a real-life energy superhero. From keeping the grid reliable to promoting green energy and making sure our power system is ready for now, later and all the in-betweens, MISO plays a key role in conserving energy and making our world a better, more sustainable place. So next time you flip a switch or charge your device, give a little nod to MISO, the guardian of our power grid.
