MISO Role for Coal Approved by FERC

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved a proposal from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to add a new affiliate sector to its Advisory Committee that will provide formal representation for the coal sector, thus enabling coal interests to provide their perspective on important policy issues as part of MISO’s stakeholder process.  America’s Power and the Lignite Energy Council issued statements on the FERC decision.

America’s Power issued the following statement by Michelle Bloodworth, President and CEO:

“We are pleased that FERC approved the MISO proposal because it recognizes the importance of coal as part of the grid operator’s stakeholder process.  The MISO coal fleet is the largest electricity source within MISO’s 15-state footprint and the largest coal fleet in the country.  The coal fleet in MISO and other regions is important because it helps to maintain the reliability and resilience of the grid.   We look forward to working with the Lignite Energy Council and other members of this new affiliate sector to support MISO’s mission and to continue explaining the importance of coal-based electricity.”

Jason Bohrer, President and CEO of the Lignite Energy Council, also noted:

“The importance of coal-based electricity to MISO’s regional power market can’t be over-stated.  On any given day of the year – especially in the cold winter or hot summer months – coal-based electricity accounts for approximately 40 to 50 percent of the generation fuel mix on the MISO grid.  MISO is the primary electric market where most of North Dakota’s lignite-based plants sell their power and having a seat, with America’s Power and others in the coal sector, in their stakeholder process will enable our industry to provide advice to MISO’s Board of Directors on policy matters of concern.”

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America’s Power is a partnership of industries involved in producing electricity from coal.