Max Generation

June 17, 2022 MISO Update

June 13, 2022 Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) update
 

Starting on Wednesday, June 15, MISO has declared a Maximum Generation Capacity Advisory and it will remain in place until further notice.

In extreme weather to ensure grid reliability, MISO may activate emergency plans, known as “Load Shedding.” If the power grid is nearing capacity, the first action will be requesting electric consumers begin conservation measures such as limiting the use of air conditioning. These measures take some pressure off the grid to help keep the lights on and help avoid controlled outages (i.e., rolling blackouts). This is also a good opportunity for the cooperative to identify members who depend on electricity for oxygen or other life-sustaining medical equipment.

ACEC has plans for emergency Load Shedding, and we practice it every spring. If it were to come to a point where the Co-op needs to activate these plans, more than likely ACEC members would be out of power for roughly two hours at a time, as we alternate shut-offs between circuits on our 16 substations.

Dairyland, ACEC’s power provider, will communicate to us at multiple points during a Max Gen process. Dairyland will also update ACEC’s communications team to prepare potential communication on the situation.

It’s very important to be prepared, but hot weather doesn’t necessarily mean we will be in a MISO Max Gen situation. MISO often declares Conservative Operations for many different reasons (not just Max Gen) and it’s often transmission-related, so communication of Conservative Operations typically has no impact on our members. Conservative Operations is normally declared when a Max Gen Advisory, Alert, Warning, Event is in effect.

Please contact Ryan Wagner at 888-788-1551 or rwagner@acrec.coop with any questions.

Please click on the links below to learn more.

Emergency Procedure Reference

MISO Summer Talking Points