The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, also known as MISO, has responded to a letter penned by the Jefferson Parish Council regarding the widespread power outage caused by a load shed event at the end of May.
More than 100,000 people lost power in Mid-City, Lakeview, Metairie, and parts of Terrytown on May 25 due to a transmission system emergency.
In the response letter from MISO, the load shed event was considered a “last resort” option, and that operators did try to find solutions to the emergency before deciding to cut power to thousands.
MISO officials said ultimately, the load shed was required to prevent significant damage and more loss of power.
According to the letter, MISO said there were planned and unplanned outages that led to the load shed event.
MISO provided a map showing where some generators failed unexpectedly, where others had already been damaged prior to the outage.
MISO also provided a timeline regarding the communication with energy providers regarding the load shed decision.
According to MISO, the emergency was declared at 4 p.m. and the load shed directive was given at 4:02 p.m.
It wasn’t until 4:21 and 4:30 p.m. respectively that Entergy and Cleco were contacted to load shed.
MISO admits in the letter to the council that it provided limited notice to power companies, and has committed to improving communication protocols going forward.
To read the letter, click here.
READ MORE:MISO admits to giving Cleco, Entergy ‘limited notice’ of load shed power outage
