Power grid for Midwest, South and Manitoba ready for winter but risks remain, MISO says

Oct 29 (Reuters) - An assessment by Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) showed adequate resources are available for power in winter but highlighted the potential risks and challenges associated with cold and extreme weather operations, it said on Wednesday.

MISO's annual Winter Readiness Workshop on October 29 will feature transmission and generation outlooks, and weather forecasts for the upcoming season, the grid operator said in a press release.

"Having a clear picture of the risks is key to staying ahead of extreme weather," said Jason Howard, MISO's director of operations risk management.

The release stated that the winter forecast indicates near- to slightly-below-normal temperatures across MISO's North and Central regions, while the South region is expected to experience above-normal temperatures. MISO also serves Manitoba province in Canada.

An active storm pattern is anticipated in the Central region pushing North, likely creating above-normal precipitation across the Great Lakes, while much of the South region is expected to remain dry, it added.

Peak winter demand is expected to be around 103 gigawatts, but it could hit as high as 109 GW, MISO noted, adding that last winter, the grid operator reached a peak demand of 108 GW on January 21, 2025, during Winter Storm Enzo.