FERC orders MISO to clarify how merchant projects will be included in transmission planning

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) to clarify its procedures for including merchant transmission projects in its regional transmission planning process. This directive aims to ensure that independently developed transmission lines, such as Invenergy's Grain Belt Express, are appropriately studied and considered for system-wide benefits. FERC found MISO's current tariff language regarding how these projects attain transmission owner status and participate in planning studies to be vague. MISO must now detail the process and information requirements for merchant projects seeking inclusion in the transmission plan to comply with the order.