North Dakota PSC asks FERC to review MISO transmission planning for tranche 2.1

The North Dakota Public Service Commission said Aug. 7 it has joined a multi-state complaint to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission asking for an objective review of Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) transmission project planning for the so-called tranche 2.1 portfolio.
Commissioner Jill Kringstedt told the commission that MISO’s most recent business case for 24 projects — with an estimated cost of $22 billion — uses benefit calculations that differ from those used in earlier rounds and that the commission believes overstate benefits to the detriment of North Dakota utility customers.
The complaint asks FERC to review whether the MISO planning process and the tariff treatment of the projects produce just and reasonable costs for North Dakota ratepayers. Kringstedt said the commission’s staff raised concerns during MISO’s stakeholder process that were not adequately addressed and noted that MISO’s independent market monitor had raised similar issues.
Commissioners Randy Christman and Sherry Haugenhofer expressed support for the filing. Haugenhofer thanked Adam, Victor and Rob from staff and Stacy for help preparing a press release and said the commission would provide more information as the matter proceeds.
The filing does not ask FERC to block construction; Kringstedt said she was not saying the projects “shouldn’t be built,” only that states and utilities that will benefit should bear the cost rather than North Dakota ratepayers. No formal motion or vote on the filing was recorded in the meeting minutes beyond the commissioners’ comments.
The commission did not present additional detail about the legal arguments or the specific relief requested from FERC during the public portion of the meeting.
The PSC said it will provide further updates to the public as the case proceeds through FERC.