Energy shortages possible in 2018

PowerThe Organization of MISO States (OMS) and MISO in their annual resource adequacy survey indicate that the MISO region has adequate capacity for 2017 with potential shortages in 2018 and beyond.

The assessment shows that the region should be able to meet the expected peak demand for elec­tricity with an adequate safety margin for 2017. The survey shows that a surplus of 2.7 gigawatts (GW) is available; this surplus could be reduced to 0.9 GW if recently announced generation retirements and suspensions in southern Illinois materialize. If these retirements proceed as announced, ­available resources could fall below minimum required reserve margin levels as early as 2018.

“Retirements in excess of new generation are driving supply to tighten in the region” said John Bear, the CEO of MISO. “We will continue to ­support our state regulators and members as they take necessary actions to ensure ­continued resource adequacy in 2018 and beyond,” he added.

The survey also indicates certain locations within the MISO region will fall below reserve margin requirements in 2017. These areas should be able to import needed capacity from neighboring zones to meet their requirements, a regional benefit of being part of the MISO region.