MISO Maximum Generation Warnings
Leading up to Rolling Blackouts: Understanding Peak Alerts and a Max Gen Event
First, we want to assure you that, under normal conditions, the grid will be just fine.
The heat of summer increases the risk of power outages in parts of the U.S. and Canada. Dairyland Power Cooperative, Riverland Energy's wholesale power supplier, is a member of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for operating the power grid in 15 states and Manitoba, Canada.
MISO may activate emergency plans, resulting in load shedding (reducing the electricity demand) outside of seasonal full load control hours (2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer). If the power grid is nearing capacity, members will be asked to begin conservation measures such as limiting the use of air conditioning. Members should also delay using dishwashers, washers, dryers, and other non-essential electricity items. These measures take some pressure off the grid to help keep the lights on and avoid blackouts.
Dairyland Power Cooperative has enough generation capacity to reliability supply Riverland Energy and the other 24 cooperatives on their system. However, being interconnected to the entire Midwest changes electricity supply and demand.
Per MISO requirements, the grid operator must declare an emergency alert called a Max Gen Alert when system frequency cannot be maintained above certain levels and durations. When conditions warrant, MISO will instruct all power providers to begin shedding load to align the electricity demand with the available power supply. We may then be required to rotate outages to help preserve the system's reliability.
Cooperative members who depend on electricity for oxygen or other life-sustaining medical equipment should have a plan in case of a power outage. Owning a back up generator can provide peace of mind.
Riverland Energy will make every effort to keep our members in the loop and what to expect and when to expect it, but once a Max Gen Alert is issued, members should assume their power could go out without advance warning. Efforts will be made to provide notice, when possible. Once notified by MISO to shed load, the cooperative is obligated to respond within minutes. Therefore, advanced notice to members can be a challenge.