Convening Midwest Legislators Around Regional Transmission and Energy Policy: Building the Grid of the Future

On June 12-14, legislators from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin convened in St. Paul, Minnesota, to learn about regional transmission and how to build the grid of the future. The convening brought together a dynamic, bipartisan group of 24 legislators and six legislative staff for regional collaboration and dialogue.

Day 1

The event began with a happy hour reception at Gambit Brewing, where attendees connected over drinks, food, and discussed regional policy issues that call for collaboration.

Day 2

The programming began with a session on Transmission 101 led by Matt Prorok (Great Plains Institute). The session unpacked the fundamentals of electric transmission—what it is, why it matters, and who oversees this intricate system. Lawmakers explored the critical role interregional transmission plays in boosting grid resilience during extreme weather, driving economic growth, and meeting the Midwest’s unique needs for future expansion.
Next, Kari Valley and Bridget Docket (MISO) spoke at a MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) 101 session. Attendees gained a clear understanding of MISO’s role, delving into MISO’s Long Range Transmission Plan, upcoming transmission needs in the region, and the challenges facing the region’s interconnection queue—along with ongoing efforts for reform.

After a brief break, legislators gathered for short presentations and breakout sessions focused on policy options for advancing transmission development, including Grid Enhancing Technologies and advanced reconductoring, transmission siting and permitting reform, and community benefit plans. Legislators connected in small groups with Minnesota State Representative Larry Kraft, Randy Satterfield (Next Gen Highways), and Katie Rock (Blue Green Alliance) to discuss how various policy interventions could be adapted for their state.

After lunch, legislators participated in an interactive workshop led by Katie Weeks (Grid Deployment Office, Department of Energy) on communicating the benefits of energy infrastructure projects to their communities. During the workshop, attendees learned best practices for communicating to community members, practiced rephrasing complex statements into digestible and accessible messages, and strategized on effective partners for communication.

Next, the group heard from Tricia DeBleeckere(Organization of MISO States) on the drivers of rising costs and demand in the Midwest, before shifting into short presentations and breakout sessions. Nelson Falkenburg (Clean Tomorrow) led legislators in a discussion of generation siting and permitting reform, Kit White (Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance) walked participants through energy efficiency and demand response policies, Camille Kadoch (Regulatory Assistance Project) unpacked utility reform, and Nora Esram Wang (New Buildings Institute) dug into data centers and state policy responses. 

In the evening, attendees gathered for a dinner reception, “The Business Case for a Flexible, Reliable, & Resilient Grid,” at the Science Museum of Minnesota. Legislators interacted with business leaders in the energy and grid sector over drinks and appetizers. During dinner, Jeff Danielson (Clean Grid Alliance) spoke to guests about the importance of collaboration between the clean energy and advanced grid sector and state lawmakers. 

Day 3

Attendees gathered at the Center for Microgrid Research at St. Thomas University to learn about the center’s cutting edge research and innovation in microgrid and distributed energy technologies. After an inside look at these innovative solutions—and their potential to strengthen energy security and reliability—legislators left inspired, equipped with fresh insights to reflect on and act upon.

Looking Ahead

At least 75 pieces of transmission legislation have been introduced in 22 states across the nation. Legislators will continue to drive innovation, tailoring successful policy solutions to meet the unique needs of their communities. 

NCEL was devastated and horrified by the assassination of Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. See NCEL’s statement on the targeted attacks against Rep. Hortman and Sen. Hoffma, and join us in remembering Rep. Hortman’s tremendous legacy.