Prairie Power, Inc. join MISO

The grid is made up of small distribution lines and large transmission lines like this. The transmission grid is analogous to an interstate highway system for electricity. The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) plans and operates this interstate highway for ­electricity. PPI, a generation and transmission co-op serving the generation and transmission needs of 10 central Illinois distribution co-ops recently joined MISO. Being a MISO transmission owner will ensure the co-op has a say when it comes to the planning and operations of the transmission grid.
The grid is made up of small distribution lines and large transmission lines like this. The transmission grid is analogous to an interstate highway system for electricity. The Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) plans and operates this interstate highway for ­electricity. PPI, a generation and transmission co-op serving the generation and transmission needs of 10 central Illinois distribution co-ops recently joined MISO. Being a MISO transmission owner will ensure the co-op has a say when it comes to the planning and operations of the transmission grid.

On Feb. 21, the Board of Directors of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) approved the application of Prairie Power, Inc. (PPI) to be formally recognized as a transmission owner. PPI is a central Illinois generation and transmission (G&T) ­cooperative headquartered in Jacksonville and owned by 10 electric distribution cooperatives.

 MISO is an essential link in the safe, cost-effective ­delivery of electric power across all or parts of 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. The fact that MISO coordinates energy markets and provides electric transmission services to a large region opens many cost effective electric supply opportunities to PPI’s 10 member cooperatives located here in central Illinois.

PPI President and CEO Jay C. Bartlett says, “PPI’s ­mission is to provide reliable electric service to its 10 members at stable prices. Access to the MISO energy markets and effective use of the electric transmission grid is ­essential to PPI achieving its mission of price stability as well as reliability.”