Presenter says site buys unused MISO generation and will curtail during peaks

Charlie described how the site participates in the regional MISO market and buys otherwise-unused generation, arguing that using idle capacity can add revenue to the utility and reduce the need for infrastructure upgrades. He said transmission and substation limits are the main constraint to adding capacity, and that upgrades can cost 'several million dollars' for substations.

On operational controls, Charlie said the company is contractually required to curtail when the utility directs it. “That automatically will tell our machines go to sleep,” he said of the automated system the site uses, and he said the company can reduce load from 4.25 MW down to just fans in minutes. Board members asked whether the company runs generators or has on-site backup; Charlie said that depends on the customer and that he evaluates sites for available electricity, water, gas and fiber before development.