Electric Generation

Bold Changes for a Better Future

We're moving quickly to change how we generate electricity. All to make a better tomorrow for Michigan. By 2025 we plan to eliminate coal generated electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 90%. That’s 15 years faster than earlier projections. By 2040 we expect 90% of our electric generation to come from clean energy sources. This balanced energy approach will mean a more sustainable future for all of us.

Michigan’s Clean Future

Our Clean Energy Plan is a road map for protecting Michigan’s environment, while still providing energy for growth.

Explore the Road Map

MISO - Our Regional Power Grid

Map of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) power grid

Bigger than Michigan - MISO

We are part of the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) power grid. MISO is a not-for-profit organization that includes 15 U.S. states and Manitoba, Canada. MISO runs one of the world’s largest energy supply markets. MISO’s role is to manage the creation of power. Our role is to make sure the power that reaches customers is reliable.

Photo of a person inserting a plug into an outlet, representing electricity demand

Supply and Demand - Meeting Everyone’s Electricity Needs

The supply and demand for electricity is impacted by extreme weather, unplanned repairs and supply chain issues. Technology is used to predict energy needs and how much energy can be made. Each year, we make sure we make more electricity than MISO asks us to provide.

MISO monitors real-time use to make sure demand does not exceed available supply. MISO has a process to help reduce electric demand when it is in danger of exceeding supply.

The mix of energy sources impact the supply available. This chart shows the percentage of total megawatts supplied by all energy providers in the MISO region. “Other” is the combination of Hydro, Pumped Storage Hydro, Diesel, Demand Response/Energy Reduction Programs and a variety of solid waste, garbage and wood pulp burners. This chart is updated every 5 minutes.

When reviewing electric demand, the load forecast looks at the day ahead planned use (cleared demand), day of planned use (medium term) and real-time use (actual load) measurements. The Actual Load updates every 5 minutes and shows the electricity used in the MISO market.

What We Do if MISO Asks Us to Reduce Demand

We plan ahead. Energy efficiency, demand response and new technologies all help us deliver the energy Michigan needs.
First we will lower our use at all our locations across the state.
We reach out to our customers that are in energy reduction programs and ask them to shift energy use away from peak times.
Then we reach out to high-energy users like factories and large offices to reduce their energy use. We give them as much notice as possible.
If more help is needed, we communicate on social media, our customer app, and website to ask all customers to volunteer to use less energy.