MISO files energy storage plan with FERC

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) on Monday (Dec. 3) filed its official proposal with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that some experts say will determine the future of the emerging battery storage marketplace in the U.S.

MISO, a nonprofit grid operator based in Carmel, Ind., said it filed tariff changes that advance the future deeper integration of energy storage across its 15-state footprint. MISO officials said the proposal filed with FERC was crafted in consultation with its stakeholders and reflects feedback from multiple discussions, workshops and rounds of written comments.

“We can only achieve important milestones like this through significant stakeholder involvement and extensive effort from the multiple parties involved,” said MISO Executive Vice President Richard Doying. “We look forward to the construction and implementation phases in 2019 and continued collaboration as we enhance our market design to integrate future technologies.”

Under the landmark FERC Order 841 that was approved by agency commissioners in early February, regional transmission operators and independent system operators across the U.S. are required to come up with market rules for energy storage to participate in the wholesale energy, capacity and ancillary services markets that recognize the physical and operational characteristics of the resource.

According to MISO officials, battery and other storage resources have emerged as the nation’s electric fleet has undergone significant transformation, driven by energy policy, economic realities and consumer changes. Monday’s action addresses compliance needs for the FERC, which becomes effective Dec. 3, 2019. MISO’s proposal is technology neutral and includes all technologies and/or storage mediums, officials said, including but not limited to batteries, flywheels, compressed air and pumped-hydro.

“Allowing Electric Storage Resources to participate fully in MISO’s markets will enhance competition, promote greater market efficiency and help support the resilience of the bulk power system,” said Doying.

MISO oversees electricity transmission across 15 U.S. states, including Arkansas, and Manitoba, Canada. It manages more than $24.7 billion in annual gross market energy transactions and has control centers in Carmel, Eagan, Minn., and Little Rock. In 2001, MISO was established as the first regional transmission organization and is overseen by an independent board of directors.