Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Clean-energy organizations, ratepayer advocates, Google and 11 of the 15 state commissions in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) footprint are asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject or revise MISO’s proposed Large Load Addition Resource Study (LARS). The proposal would create a 120-day, concurrent study for a large electricity load and associated generation, potentially speeding data-center and other industrial projects. Opponents say the filing could shift transmission costs to other customers, give load-serving utilities control over competing generators’ access and bypass protections built into MISO’s existing interconnection queue. FERC had not ruled on the filing as of October 27, 2026.
What is MISO’s LARS proposal?
LARS is a proposed fast-track process for studying a large new load and generation intended to serve it at the same time. MISO’s existing procedures generally study generation interconnection and major load additions through separate or sequential processes. MISO says a coordinated review could identify network upgrades more efficiently and avoid delays caused by mismatched study schedules.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Utility Dive describes the headline design as a 120-day study for a load larger than 200 megawatts and generation located in the same MISO local resource zone. MISO has 10 local resource zones, which generally correspond to state boundaries, although electrical proximity—not simply a state border—would determine whether a pairing qualifies.
What readiness evidence would applicants need?
MISO stakeholder materials describe possible readiness requirements including firm commercial arrangements, site control, coordinated modeling assumptions and parallel load and generation studies. Participants have also debated the minimum size. A proposed 250 MW threshold drew criticism from Consumers Energy and others who asked MISO to move closer to 200 MW.
Popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
Why did MISO propose a concurrent study?
The proposal responds to a sharp increase in large-load requests, particularly from data centers. FERC’s June 18, 2026 order cited approximately 17 GW of large-load additions approved by MISO since the 2022 MISO Transmission Expansion Plan cycle. The same order cited 43% compound annual growth in MISO data-center capacity since 2020, drawing on the commission’s 2025 State of the Market Report.
FERC opened a Section 206 proceeding after finding that MISO’s existing tariff appeared “unjust, unreasonable, or unduly discriminatory or preferential.” The commission directed attention to large-load application procedures, study rules, network-upgrade cost transparency, cost-recovery agreements, co-location, flexible large-load service and generation that is electrically close to a new load. LARS is MISO’s proposed response for one part of that broader reform effort.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why are states and clean-energy groups opposing LARS?
Opponents are not disputing the need to study large loads more quickly. Their objections concern who controls entry, who pays for upgrades and how the new process would interact with MISO’s established generation queue.
Also popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
Could other customers pay for data-center upgrades?
Cost shifting is the central objection. Google told FERC that LARS promotes speed to power without sufficient protections to ensure that other retail customers do not bear the cost of serving data centers. The Organization of MISO States (OMS), which represents the state commissions, also urged safeguards before LARS receives preferential treatment.
MISO said it planned to file a cost-allocation framework after the initial proposal. That framework was not yet resolved in the October 2026 filing record. Separately, FERC’s June order required greater transparency for network-upgrade costs and a pro forma cost-recovery agreement designed to mitigate cost shifting. Until those mechanisms are approved and enforceable, opponents say the tariff leaves too much financial risk with existing transmission customers.
Would utilities control which generators can participate?
Under the proposal reported by Utility Dive, only MISO transmission customers—primarily load-serving entities—could submit LARS applications. The American Clean Power Association and Southern Renewable Energy Association said an independent power producer (IPP) with a direct offtake agreement would still need to be sponsored by the load-serving entity and would have no direct path to MISO for queue access.
The Solar Energy Industries Association and Advanced Energy United characterized that structure as unduly discriminatory because a load-serving entity could decide whether a competing generator participates. OMS warned that LARS must not become a general alternative to MISO’s generation interconnection queue or provide preferential access to transmission capacity.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
Could parallel study tracks miss cumulative impacts?
MISO stakeholder feedback raises a planning risk: a separate LARS pathway could create another study silo alongside the Definitive Planning Phase (DPP), MISO Transmission Expansion Plan (MTEP) work and other processes. If projects are evaluated in isolation, planners could miss cumulative effects on constrained facilities, outage conditions or neighboring projects. Opponents therefore want clear rules for coordinating models, network assumptions and upgrade responsibility across queues.
Who supports the proposal?
Duke Energy Indiana, Entergy utilities and other utility participants told FERC that LARS would be an efficient, targeted tool for expediting interconnection of large loads and the generation needed to serve them. MISO transmission owners described it as a narrowly tailored process for electrically proximate load-generation pairs, allowing network upgrades to be evaluated together rather than in sequence.
Entergy and Cleco Power also supported making LARS permanent. They argued that a continuing process would give developers, utilities and lenders more certainty when deciding where to build paired load and generation facilities. That position contrasts with stakeholders who want a temporary pilot, strict eligibility limits or additional safeguards before the process becomes a standing alternative to the queue.
Recommended Free Tools
Also popular on Amazon
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
What has FERC decided, and what happens next?
MISO filed tariff language with FERC on October 2, 2026, in docket ER27-25, proposing an effective date of December 2, 2026. The filing includes a transmittal letter, redline and clean tariff sheets, prepared testimony and a generated tariff filing. The proposed date is not an approval: FERC could accept the filing, reject it, suspend it or require revisions.
- FERC review: The commission will evaluate the tariff language, testimony and stakeholder comments in ER27-25.
- Cost and eligibility details: Watch for MISO’s separate cost-allocation filing and any revisions to application control, readiness evidence and independent-producer access.
- Queue safeguards: Later orders may define how LARS interacts with DPP, MTEP and existing transmission customers, including treatment of cumulative impacts and outages.
- Effective date: December 2 applies only if FERC allows the filing to take effect as proposed.
What should developers, utilities and ratepayers watch?
- Whether the final minimum load threshold is 200 MW, 250 MW or another figure.
- How MISO defines “associated” generation and electrical proximity.
- Whether an IPP can apply directly or must obtain load-serving-entity sponsorship.
- Readiness deposits, site-control standards and proof of commercial arrangements.
- Binding cost-recovery terms that prevent network-upgrade costs from moving to unrelated retail customers.
- Rules that reconcile LARS studies with existing generation-queue and transmission-planning work.
- Whether FERC authorizes a temporary pilot or a permanent tariff pathway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is a 200 MW electricity load in practical terms?
A 200 MW threshold describes the project’s electrical demand at the point of service, not the number of buildings or customers. The final tariff would need to specify how peak demand, phased expansions and associated generation are modeled.
Does LARS guarantee that a data center will receive power within 120 days?
No. The 120 days refers to the proposed study process, not construction, permitting, transmission upgrades or final service. A completed study could still identify upgrades that take years to design and build.
What is the difference between LARS and MISO’s normal generation queue?
LARS would pair a qualifying load with associated generation in one coordinated study. The traditional generation interconnection process evaluates generator requests under established queue rules; the dispute is whether LARS would improperly offer a faster, utility-controlled route around those rules.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWhy are Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi treated differently in the state opposition?
Utility Dive reported that 11 of the 15 MISO-state commissions joined OMS opposition. Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi were the three commissions that did not support that opposition and instead filed comments supporting MISO’s plan.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
