MISO to create Mississippi local resource zone

OREANDA-NEWS. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) will create a new capacity planning zone that encompasses about 5,000MW of generation in Mississippi.

Entergy Mississippi and 11 cooperatives that belong to the South Mississippi Electric Power Association will make up MISO's new zone 10.

When utilities in Entergy's four-state territory joined MISO in late 2013, Arkansas was designated as zone 8 and Louisiana, Mississippi and southeast Texas were designated as zone 9.

A MISO analysis saw no electrical benefit or harm from the reconfiguration. MISO's regional planning reserve margin was unchanged at 7.1pc.

Creation of the new zone recognizes the role of states in resource planning, MISO said. Mississippi's Public Service Commission requested MISO study the change last year.

A separate local zone for Mississippi was considered in late 2013, but was delayed until after the integration.

MISO plans to file to change the zonal boundaries in mid-May.

Entergy's six utility units in the southeast US saw nearly \\$240mn in energy-related benefits in the first year of MISO membership, Entergy chief executive Leo Denault told investors this week, exceeding company expectations.

Over the first 10 years, Entergy has projected savings of up to \\$1.4bn from MISO participation.

Entergy Mississippi expects to see about \\$284mn in savings over that time.