MISO PAC Meeting 05/27/2026 Summary
(1.) Meeting Overview
MISO’s May 27, 2026 Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting focused on several planning process updates, including Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP), Expedited Project Review (EPR), Zero-Injection Generator Interconnection Agreement (ZGIA) tariff language, large load definition updates, BPM-020 annual revisions and changes to planning participation credit. The meeting also included status updates from the Interconnection Process Working Group (IPWG), Planning Subcommittee (PSC), and Steering Committee.
Overall, the meeting reflected MISO’s continued effort to adapt its planning, interconnection and transmission review processes to address increasing large load growth, co-located load and generation, generator interconnection complexity, and long-term reliability needs.
(2.) Long Range Transmission Planning Update
MISO provided an update on its 2026 Midwest and South LRTP work. The South LRTP is beginning with a collaborative, investigative approach focused on reliability and load growth, while the Midwest LRTP builds on a stronger foundation of prior LRTP and MTEP studies. Both efforts are intended to evaluate transmission needs under future scenarios that account for load growth, resource mix changes, transfers, reliability requirements, and economic assumptions.
MISO discussed the use of Future 2 and Future 3+ scenarios as the foundation for LRTP economic and reliability models. These futures reflect substantial installed capacity growth through 2045, driven by load growth and changing resource economics. MISO requested stakeholder feedback on the proposed scenario approach by June 17, 2026.
For additional background on MISO’s Long-Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) process and its role in transmission expansion planning, see MISO’s LRTP overview: https://www.misoenergy.org/planning/long-range-transmission-planning/
(3.) Expedited Project Review Process
MISO reported that its EPR process reform has largely met the vision presented to stakeholders in 2024 and 2025. Since June 2025, 79 projects have been submitted through the EPR process, and nearly 75% of completed studies were presented at EPR-TSTF meetings within three months.
The EPR process is intended to allow certain member-submitted transmission projects to move more quickly than the traditional 18-month MTEP cycle. MISO noted that the average study period has been approximately 80 days, with transmission-only studies often completed in around 30 days and large load studies typically requiring more than 60 days. Approved EPR projects are ultimately rolled into the annual MTEP plan.
MISO also identified lessons learned related to modeling, analysis, dynamics, and Transmission Owner preparation. A key takeaway is that the EPR process will continue to evolve as MISO develops future initiatives, particularly the Large Load program.
(4.) ZGIA and Co-Located Load and Generation
MISO presented draft tariff language for the Zero-Injection Generator Interconnection Agreement proposal, specifically covering interconnection and planning elements for co-located load and generation. Stakeholders generally supported the ZGIA concept but raised concerns about reliability studies, contractual arrangements, retail-versus-wholesale boundaries and how multiple points of interconnection should be treated.
A major update is that MISO has decided not to pursue multi-station ZGIAs, also referred to as the “campus approach.” Instead, MISO’s revised approach limits ZGIA eligibility to ZG-associated loads connected at the same substation and voltage level. The draft tariff language also clarifies that ZGIA does not supersede state jurisdiction and includes additional detail on interconnection study requirements.
MISO planned additional stakeholder feedback opportunities, with feedback on PAC-related tariff language due May 29, 2026, and broader resource adequacy, market, and operations feedback due June 10, 2026. A tariff filing is expected in June 2026.
(5.) Large Load Definition Update
MISO reviewed updates to its proposed Large Load definition and related transitional provisions. The objective is to support reliability requirements for large loads at the time of interconnection while allowing large load customers to secure service efficiently without compromising system reliability.
Stakeholders had provided feedback during the February PAC meeting, April LLWG, and May LLWG. In response, MISO revised the proposed definition and developed transition language for pending but unbuilt large loads. MISO is also actively developing tariff language for Large Load Interconnection Reliability Requirements, expected to be reviewed at the June LLWG before a June FERC filing.
(6.) BPM-020, Planning Credit, and Issue Status Updates
MISO reviewed proposed BPM-020 Transmission Planning revisions for the 2026 annual review. BPM-020 r34 is expected to become effective July 1, 2026. The revisions primarily clarify existing planning processes and incorporate updates related to RECBWG-2024-1. Stakeholder feedback is requested by June 12, 2026.
MISO also discussed whether to continue awarding Planning Participation Credit in competitive transmission evaluations. MISO observed that this credit has not been a meaningful differentiating factor in competitive project evaluations and is reviewing whether it should be retained.
Finally, MISO proposed moving several older PAC issues to “Completed” status, including items related to initial commercial operations dates in GIAs, generation replacement process enhancements, and coordination of MTEP and DPP processes for large loads.
(7.) Key Takeaways
The May 27 PAC meeting shows MISO actively refining its planning framework to manage rapid system changes. Key themes include accelerating project review through EPR, preparing long-term transmission plans through LRTP, clarifying rules for co-located load and generation through ZGIA, and developing reliability requirements for large loads. Stakeholders should closely track the June feedback deadlines and expected June FERC filings, particularly for ZGIA and Large Load Interconnection Reliability Requirements.
MISO’s planning and interconnection processes continue to evolve as large load growth, co-located generation, and transmission expansion reshape the grid. Zero-Emission Grid (ZEG) helps developers, utilities, energy storage projects, and large load customers navigate transmission planning, interconnection requirements, reliability studies, and regulatory changes across MISO. Contact our team to discuss your project and stay ahead of evolving requirements.
