GridWatch 2024: fossil fuels rule

Coal and natural gas power are currently supplying more than 76 percent of the region’s electricity. Both fuels will be banned in Minnesota.

Here was the fuel mix for the MISO region, as of 1:55 Central Time,

MISO stands for the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator. This organization coordinates the electrical grid for a wide swath of North America: from Manitoba and the Hudson Bay down to Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Nearly all of Minnesota is included in the MISO region.

The math is simple, yet relentless: natural gas and coal power plants are providing more than three-quarters of the region’s electrical demand. Combined, wind and solar contribute only 10 percent of the region’s power supply. That situation will worsen later this afternoon as the region’s energy demand reaches its peak.

And two and half hours later (4:20 Central Time) wind and solar are down to 8 percent as the region is near the peak demand for the day:

To meet the increased demand and compensate for the drop in wind and solar production, coal and natural gas must step up.

Progressive Minnesota has seen fit to ban coal and natural gas while mandating the use of wind and solar. The law will not be fully phased-in until 2040.

Minnesota is not an island but continues to act like one. At some point, the consequences will be catastrophic for public safety and our economy.