Great River Energy is preparing for continued growth in electricity demand across the Midwest as a new regional survey shows utilities are planning record levels of new generation and storage over the next five years.
The 2026 Organization of MISO States (OMS)-Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) Survey finds that member utilities expect to add an average of 15 gigawatts of new accredited summer capacity each year through the early 2030s, reflecting the scale of investment required to support rising demand and maintain reliability across the electric system.
For Great River Energy, the findings reinforce the importance of long-term resource planning and a balanced portfolio approach as the energy landscape continues to evolve.
“These results underscore the pace of change we’re seeing as a possibility across the MISO region,” said Zac Ruzycki, director of resource planning at Great River Energy. “At Great River Energy, we’re focused on adding the right mix of resources and strengthening the system so we can reliably serve our member-owners while adapting to growing demand and an increasingly dynamic grid.”
Across the region, natural gas is expected to account for the largest share of new additions, with strong growth also projected in solar, battery storage and wind.
The survey also highlights how reliability risks may change across the system. As the generation mix evolves, the region expects to see a shift from primarily summer reliability concerns to increasing challenges during the winter months. MISO’s new accreditation methodology in 2028 is intended to help shift planning and operational focus to the most critical hours in each season.
The OMS-MISO survey covers the 2027-32 planning horizon and, along with other MISO planning tools, provides states and utilities like Great River Energy with critical insights to guide resource decisions and ensure reliable service for the communities they serve.
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