MISO is preparing for near-record electricity demand as a prolonged, major heat wave settles across the central U.S. this week. New year-to-date load peaks were projected beginning Monday, and all-time load peaks are possible Wednesday and Thursday with current projections exceeding 128 GW. MISO’s current all-time system peak of 127 GW was set on July 20, 2011. The grid operator said it preemptively notified all local utilities in its operating footprint to prepare every available resource to serve the projected load, but added that additional emergency procedures may be required to keep the power flowing. |