The Midcontinent ISO on Jan. 6 announced a strategic collaboration with Microsoft “that sets a new industry benchmark for grid modernization and supports a reliable and resilient energy transition,” the grid operator said.
“By combining MISO’s deep operational expertise with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Foundry AI technologies, this collaboration introduces a unified data platform designed to transform how the grid is planned, operated and optimized. The collaboration allows MISO to proactively predict grid conditions, enhance system efficiencies and accelerate data-driven decisions through the integration of machine learning and cloud-native analytics,” MISO said.
“MISO’s mission is to ensure reliable operations while enabling the transition to a more efficient and future ready grid,” said Nirav Shah, Vice President, Chief Information and Digital Officer at MISO. “Partnering with Microsoft allows us to harness the full power of advanced analytics, AI and cloud platforms to improve forecasting, enhance decision-making and build resilience into our operations. Ultimately, these advancements benefit our members and stakeholders.”
“AI and data center growth are expected to reshape the energy landscape, and MISO is taking a leadership role in ensuring that digital transformation benefits are shared across the grid. The unified data platform enables proactive responses during disruptions like extreme weather events, bolstering reliability. During recent winter storms, the platform has delivered substantial market efficiencies for market participants,” MISO said.
MISO will also leverage AI and machine learning capabilities, advanced data platforms and digital modeling tools to:
• Enhance grid forecasting and long-range transmission planning through improved system modeling leveraging Microsoft Foundry.
• Improve real-time reliability by leveraging AI-driven insights to detect, diagnose and respond to grid conditions.
• Enable cloud-native analytics at scale leveraging Azure, creating a foundation for innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
• Empower operators, engineers, and decision-makers with intuitive data visualization and collaboration tools like Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft 365 Copilot.
• Integrate industry-leading partners to accelerate grid transformation and modernization.
"Our collaboration with MISO represents a bold step forward in modernizing one of North America’s most complex and critical electricity markets. By bringing advanced cloud and AI capabilities to grid operations, we’re building a future-ready, more resilient and sustainable grid that can anticipate challenges, optimize performance, and deliver reliable power as electrification and demand grow," said Darryl Willis, Corporate Vice President, Energy and Resources Industry at Microsoft.
A key benefit of the data platform is how it reduces cycle times from weeks to minutes – empowering teams to make faster, more informed decisions and enabling MISO to predict and avoid congestion on the power system before it occurs, the grid operator said.
“Such acceleration is critical because of the increasing diversity of energy mix, electrification, rising demand and the growth of data centers,” said Shah. “MISO is accelerating its digital transformation to ensure reliability and leverage the power of data and insights. Now is the time to partner with organizations that share a common interest in modernizing the grid operations of the future.”
