The grid operator for the central United States said the region has ample resources to meet electricity demand in the coming year — a declaration that contradicts the reasoning behind the Trump administration’s efforts to keep three Midwest coal plants running in spite of their owners’ plans to shut them down.
The forecast by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) followed the release of results from an annual auction of generating capacity held each spring.
Last year’s MISO auction was referenced by Energy Secretary Chris Wright in a series of 90-day emergency orders starting last year requiring three Midwest coal plants to remain available beyond their planned retirements.
The orders were issued under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, which allows the government to order power plants to operate temporarily during grid emergencies.
