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Behind the Scenes with MISO: What We Learned on the Grid Operator Tour at CEBA Connect

At CEBA Connect: Spring Summit 2025, a small group of attendees had the rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) and get a firsthand look at how the grid operator keeps the power flowing across a vast region — all while navigating the clean energy transition.

“MISO Does its Homework in Public”

That memorable quote from the tour set the tone for what makes MISO so unique. MISO doesn’t own the wires or the power plants — it manages the flow of electricity across 77,000 miles of transmission lines, ensuring reliability for more than 45 million people. Think of MISO as the air traffic controller of the electric grid: coordinating the movement of electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s needed, safely and reliably, 24/7/365.

But unlike air traffic control, MISO’s work is done out in the open — through a collaborative, stakeholder-driven process that brings together utilities, developers, regulators, and clean energy buyers.

Why Grid Planning is So Complex (and Important)

Getting a lot of stakeholders moving in the same direction takes time.

During the tour, MISO staff highlighted one of their biggest current challenges: the interconnection queue. Right now, over 350 gigawatts of new generation are waiting to be studied in the MISO region — an astounding number that reflects growing demand for clean energy and a surge in proposed wind, solar, and storage projects.

To tackle this “queue clog,” MISO has adopted a cluster study approach, grouping similar projects and studying them together at shared grid nodes. This helps streamline the process and makes it more efficient than the traditional “first-come, first-served” method.

Picking Up Speed — But Still Facing Headwinds

Compared to other regional grid operators, MISO has made strides in speeding up its interconnection process. But the scale of interest in clean energy — paired with aging infrastructure and regulatory complexity — means challenges remain.

Still, MISO is moving forward. The organization is focused on balancing three core goals: sustainability, reliability, and affordability. With historic levels of wind and solar integration (including a record solar peak in February 2025), it’s clear MISO is adapting to a new energy era.

A Shared Mission for a Cleaner Grid

For CEBA members, the tour was an important reminder: the energy transition doesn’t just require new technologies or bold climate commitments. It also requires deep collaboration — with grid operators like MISO who are building the future of power, one transmission study at a time. One of the most memorable moments of the tour was getting to see a MISO control room — the nerve center where grid operators monitor conditions in real time and keep the system balanced 24/7. Even better, MISO makes much of this data publicly available on its website, including real-time information on grid conditions, electricity demand, and the current mix of fuel sources. It was incredibly impressive to see that level of transparency and technical sophistication up close. To learn more about MISO and track live statistics check out their website and follow them on LinkedIn and X. A huge shout out to CEBA Connect: Spring Summit Sponsor, Sol Systems, for sponsoring this tour.

  • Blog
  • 28 May 2025
  • CEBA Staff

CEBA Connect: Spring Summit 2025 Highlights, Insights, and What’s Next

It’s been three weeks since we wrapped CEBA Connect: Spring Summit 2025, and we’ve just about recovered from the energy, insights, and excitement of an unforgettable few days in Minneapolis, MN.

From powerful mainstage moments to deep-dive breakout sessions and one very memorable after-hours party, this year’s summit was a celebration of what’s possible when the clean energy community comes together.

This year’s summit brought together 786 registrants, featured 104 speakers, and was supported by 19 sponsors. Across the event, attendees engaged in 42 conversation topics, 30 breakout sessions, 2 receptions, and even a tour of MISO’s operating room. The energy was electric on our main stage, and we had an unforgettable after-hours party.  

From deep dives on global energy markets to first timer-friendly primers, the summit delivered real-time takeaways for clean energy buyers, providers, and partners alike. We heard from industry leaders, exchanged strategies with peers, and tackled the most pressing challenges facing clean energy today.

Highlights from the Main Stage

CEBA CEO Rich Powell took the stage to deliver his State of the Market address — a powerful reflection on how far we’ve come and where we’re going as a clean energy community. Watch it here. 

From federal policy shifts to the future of market reform and procurement innovation, Rich reminded us why bold leadership and shared purpose are more critical than ever.

For more check out our blog: Five numbers you need to know about this year’s State of The Market Report.

Huge Thank You

To our attendees, sponsors, speakers, and CEBA staff: Thank you for making this summit a dynamic, inspiring, and action-packed experience. Your energy fuels this community — and your commitment drives real impact.

See You in Seattle in 2026!

We’re already looking ahead to CEBA Connect Spring Summit 2026 — and we’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be back in Seattle! Stay tuned for dates and registration details.

Miss us already? You don’t have to wait until next spring to reconnect with the CEBA community.


📅 Register for VERGE 25 (October 28–30, San Jose, CA) and save the date for Climate Week NYC (September 21–28, New York City) — we’ll be there, and we hope to see you too.

Until then, keep driving change, building partnerships, and powering progress.

  • Blog
  • 23 May 2025

CEBA Calls for Immediate Changes to Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Scope 2 Revision Process

To maintain a robust voluntary clean energy market, energy buyers support optional granular time and location matching and recognize market realities require flexible options

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) today sent a letter to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s Independent Standards Board calling for the Protocol’s ongoing Scope 2 revision process to keep hourly and location accounting optional and include increased dialogue with energy buyers. The letter notes “CEBA and its members are invested in the success of this revision, to build on over a decade of progress. The Scope 2 Guidance should continue its pivotal role in catalyzing, not limiting, corporate climate action to accelerate grid decarbonization.”

“Energy buyers’ purchasing power drives grid decarbonization, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol should enhance its engagement with energy buyers, to ensure voluntary procurement of clean energy continues to advance,” said CEBA CEO Rich Powell. “CEBA members support keeping optional hourly and location-based accounting for emissions and recognize mandatory matching is infeasible in many markets and would hinder energy buyers’ efforts to procure carbon emissions-free electricity. The Protocol’s Scope 2 Guidance should recognize market realities and the need to preserve and enable voluntary clean energy procurement under a variety of market conditions.”

The letter emphasizes the key role of the current Scope 2 Guidance in catalyzing corporate clean energy procurement. Commercial and industrial customers in 2024 surpassed a landmark 100 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy procurement since 2014, and energy customers announced 21.7 GW in voluntary procurement deals last year alone, making 2024 the highest year to date, according to CEBA’s 2024 Deal Tracker. That momentum could be hindered without changes to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol’s ongoing revision process.

CEBA’s letter today to the Protocol’s Independent Standards Board notes that a majority of CEBA members would face serious implementation challenges with a mandatory time and location accounting approach. “Buyers are already experiencing procurement challenges in many markets under current market boundaries,” the letter states. “Tightening market boundaries in the United States and European Union would exacerbate the challenges and could lead to less procurement in those markets.”

To keep the revision process credible and ensure the revised Scope 2 Guidance will remain highly relevant, CEBA’s letter urges the Independent Standards Board to:

• Increase and enhance engagement with energy buyers.
• Make necessary adjustments before the public consultation phase.
• Align the consequential metric development to the Scope 2 Guidance timeline.



  • Blog
  • 14 May 2025
  • CEBA Staff

CEBA CEO Rich Powell: Securing America’s Affordable Energy Future

Find out more about our research conducted by NERA Economic Consulting showing that repealing the federal technology-neutral investment (§48E) and production (§45Y) tax credits would bring adverse economic impacts and result in higher electricity prices for U.S. households and businesses.

View NERA Study
  • Blog
  • 07 May 2025
  • CEBA Staff

CEBA CEO: Global Energy Market Reflects Generational Shift in How Energy is Produced and Consumed

Five Numbers You Need to Know About This Year’s State of the Market Report 

Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) CEO Rich Powell presented CEBA’s annual State of the Market report at the organization’s Spring Summit in Minneapolis, noting, “Corporate energy customers are not just buyers of clean energy; they are market-makers who drive 21st-century industries to expand the backbone of economic development in the United States and abroad… The future is bright for CEBA, its members, and all the stakeholders who can benefit from a low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity system.” 

Here are the highlights of the State of the Market presentation: 

100 Gigawatt (GW) Milestone 

100 GW is a new milestone and how much corporate energy buyers are shifting demand for clean energy: “In 2024, commercial and industrial customers brought total clean energy deal capacity up to 100 GW. This is not just a milestone, but a market shift. These energy customers are shifting the composition of the U.S. grid. Nearly three percent of clean energy generation on the U.S. grid comes from commercial and industrial customers completing deals. This growth is not just confined to the United States. In the Asia Pacific region, corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) tripled from 2020 to 2023, to 10 GW. Demand for more clean energy deals is growing, to achieve low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems.” 

35-50% growth expected 

Electricity demand is expected to grow 35-50 percent in the United States by 2040: “This significant growth is necessary to meet the demand from different sectors of the economy. Sectors like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail are making bold commitments, diversifying the corporate clean energy customer profile. In the United States, electricity demand is expected to grow 35-50 percent by 2040. Corporate energy customers are essential to financing clean energy projects to meet this demand.” 

70% solar 

That’s how much solar procurement is leading the pack within new clean energy capacity: “Corporate energy customers are creating a portfolio of myriad sources of clean energy. Solar energy leads the pack, accounting for 70 percent of new clean energy capacity procured by energy customers. However, geothermal and nuclear are growing rapidly. Nuclear accounted for 6.7% of announced capacity last year, but its high capacity factor means it is anticipated to generate over 22% of the energy output expected from the announced capacity — surpassing wind’s projected 13%.”  
 

Possible 8.4% price increase 

Electricity prices could increase 8.4% without U.S. federal production and investment tax credits: “The technology-neutral Clean Electricity Production (45Y) and Clean Electricity Investment (48E) federal tax credits are essential to keep electricity prices low. Repealing these pro-growth credits could increase prices by 8.4 percent nationally next year, adding $110 to the average household bill. States like Minnesota could see nearly a 10 percent increase. These tax credits are foundational in fostering economic growth and energy security, clearing the path for CEBA members to help enable more investment and innovation in the United States. Congress should retain the tech-neutral tax credits.” 

2050 transmission expansion

According to the latest U.S. National Transmission Planning Study, that’s when transmission capacity will need to be doubled to ensure grid reliability, something that can only be achieved with permitting reform: “A major obstacle in deploying investment in clean energy projects is the lack of adequate transmission infrastructure. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has emphasized the need for long-term transmission planning that integrates corporate commitments. Still, the United States needs to double transmission capacity by 2050 to ensure reliability. A key solution is permitting reform. Permitting modernization that accelerates approvals of clean energy projects and much-needed new transmission capacity is essential.” 

  • Blog
  • 06 May 2025

CEBA Joins Carbon Free Alliance to Advance Carbon-Free Energy Globally

Signing at Spring Summit Marks Beginning of Ongoing Collaboration

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and the Carbon Free Alliance (CFA) today held a signing ceremony at CEBA Connect: Spring Summit 2025 to commence their active cooperation to advance global carbon-free energy systems.

Rich Powell, CEBA’s CEO, and Eric Gibbs, CEBA’s senior vice president of global strategy, joined Dr. Hoesung Lee, CFA’s president, and Jinmi Kim, executive director of the Office of the CFA President, at the summit to sign a memorandum of understanding and note CEBA’s ongoing commitment to activate energy buyers and partners to advance low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. CEBA will work with the Carbon Free Alliance to advance its efforts.

The Carbon Free Alliance, based in Seoul, Republic of Korea, aims to expand access to carbon-free energy, establish global carbon-free energy standards, decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial sectors, and reduce the divide between developed and developing countries in climate vulnerability and responses. The objectives of the Carbon Free Alliance align with the Carbon-Free Energy Initiative proposed by the President of the Republic of Korea at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.

The Carbon Free Energy Initiative, coordinated by the Carbon Free Alliance, is co-led by the governments of the Republic of Korea and Japan, with participation by the governments of the United Arab Emirates and the Czech Republic. The International Energy Agency is a partner in the endeavor.

The CFA is organizing an effort to design a certification system to promote carbon-free energy usage by businesses, from a technology-neutral perspective. The certification system effort involves collaboration with the Carbon Free Alliance’s member companies as well as the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy.

CEBA plans to participate in Carbon Free Alliance and Carbon Free Energy Initiative events during the World Climate Industry Expo this August in Busan, Republic of Korea, as well as future events where the CFEI and CFA are featured. The August expo aims to foster global consensus on the necessity of carbon-free energy. 

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 05 May 2025

Update to Members on CEBA’s Support for Clean Firm Energy Additions

By Rich Powell

This has been an eventful year for the Clean Energy Buyers Association, and together we are playing a crucial role in advancing low-cost, reliable, carbon emissions-free global electricity systems. Market demand for clean energy remains strong: commercial and industrial customers, many of them CEBA members, in 2024 surpassed a landmark 100 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy procurement since 2014. Energy customers announced 21.7 GW in voluntary procurement deals last year alone, making 2024 the highest year to date, according to CEBA’s 2024 Deal Tracker. Yet it’s clear we will need even more carbon emissions-free electricity in the years ahead to meet rising demand and enable economic growth in the United States and around the globe.

A Wood Mackenzie report released this past January by CEBA found large companies are set to drive an unprecedented demand for at least 275 gigawatts (GW) of carbon emissions-free energy by 2035 from both new and existing electricity load. All of this means we’re at a moment of incredible opportunity. We need much more electricity to enable economic growth.

This demand growth is being driven by the industries and areas of economic expansion of the future: vehicle and building electrification, reshoring and onshoring of manufacturing, data centers, and clean energy manufacturing. With significant load growth forecasted to occur across the United States during the next five years, CEBA members are bringing innovative solutions to meet that electricity demand with clean and firm energy.

CEBA in March co-sponsored a U.S. National Power Demand Study, conducted by S&P Global Commodity Insights and commissioned by the American Clean Power Association, that found U.S. electricity demand is projected to surge 35-50% by 2040, driven by domestic manufacturing growth, data centers, and mass electrification. The study noted that all-of-the-above solutions such as solar and wind energy, energy storage, natural gas, and nuclear generation will play critical roles in meeting that increased demand, strengthening our grid reliability, and fueling economic opportunity across the country.

Globally, nuclear power can play an important role in supplying continuous energy to support successful and cost-competitive operations for energy users. CEBA in March signed a World Nuclear Association pledge supporting the goal of at least tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050.

Grid Strategies in December 2023 published a report on load growth across the United States that found from 2022 to 2023, grid planners nearly doubled the five-year load growth forecast.  Princeton University’s Net-Zero America final report shows our generation needs to double or quadruple by 2050, and clean electricity is a linchpin for that growth. The report forecasts that low- or zero-carbon electricity would need to reach 70-85 percent by 2030 and hits 98-100 by 2050. The report notes that to ensure reliability, up to 1,000 GW of firm generating capacity through all years will be needed, with gas plants burning hydrogen blends, and when solar and wind expansion are constrained, natural gas plants with carbon capture and nuclear plants will need to expand to pick up the slack.

Regarding global scenarios, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has modeled that carbon emissions-free generation sources such as nuclear and fossil fuels with carbon capture — in concert with solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal resources — will constitute a significant portion of a carbon emissions-free energy system. A very broad suite of carbon emissions-free technologies will be needed to fully decarbonize a MUCH larger grid.

CEBA members are leading that transition. Of the 21.7 GW procured last year, solar energy comprised 73 percent of capacity, followed by wind at 11 percent, and battery storage increased to 7.7 percent of capacity contracted in the last year. Nuclear energy procurement accounted for 1.5 GW, constituting 6.7 percent of capacity announced, and a 115-megawatt geothermal transaction (0.5 percent of contracted capacity last year) also signaled energy customers’ increasing interest in clean, firm generation resources.

CEBA aims to create the largest collective of energy customers and partners to achieve our vision of customer-driven clean energy for all, and CEBA does not advise on inclusion or exclusion of technologies or strategies toward individual company solution sets. We continue to take a tech-neutral, tech-inclusive approach to our work, as we have always done, and our members have always had a very broad range of perspectives on which carbon emissions-free technologies make the most sense for their unique situations.

Permitting reform, as well as technologies to increase the efficiency of our existing transmission system, including reconductoring, will play crucial roles in meeting electricity demand growth. It’s also imperative to preserve the federal technology-neutral energy tax credits. As a February study for CEBA by NERA Economic Consulting noted, preserving the tax credits would put downward pressure on electricity price inflation, keeping electric bills lower for U.S. households and businesses. 

CEBA will continue advocate for policies that will help our members achieve their procurement goals, and we will continue to help our members understand the pros and cons of various solutions and learn from one another. We look forward to seeing you this week, May 6-8, at CEBA Connect: Spring Summit, where we will continue our conversations around emerging trends and key updates as we forge ahead on the path toward solving the energy market’s greatest challenges.

Ask the Expert: What you should know about CEBA Connect: Spring Summit

CEBA Connect: Spring Summit is just around the corner! This is your chance to convene with the clean energy community in Minneapolis, MN, May 6-8. There is still time to join the fun. To learn more about why you should sign up and what to expect I sat down with Nikki Hodgson, Senior Manager, Event Logistics at CEBA.

First off, what is this event? 

CEBA Connect: Spring Summit is the premier convening for energy and sustainability professionals dedicated to advancing a carbon emissions-free energy future. This CEBA member exclusive benefit brings together our energy customer, energy provider, service provider, and NGO members. 

Traditional conferences often focus exclusively on education; our event is designed to be different. CEBA Connect: Spring Summit was created for collaboration, relationship building, and community. 

Checkout this highlight reel from last year’s event!

Why Should Members Attend?

We are expecting more than 700 attendees, folks who are deep in energy work day in and day out. So, this is the place to connect with folks who are facing the same challenges you are and collaborate on solutions. If you are working in energy — whether you’re just starting out or you’re a veteran — this is the space to build relationships and community you need to advance your organization’s mission and to advance the clean energy transition.

Customize summit to meet your needs. With over 31 sessions across the main stage, conversations, and deep dives, we have dedicated programing for everyone from entry-level to experienced energy professionals. 

Is networking your priority? Plan to check out our brand-new networking lounge; you can book a table through the EventGo app. And don’t miss our receptions. Wednesday night, CEBA member and principal sponsor CTC Global will host all attendees at the beautiful Orchestra Hall. 

Who from my company should attend?

We often are asked what level of energy experience attendees should have. The answer is all levels. Our programing is designed to meet both experienced and beginner folks where they are. If you are new to your role or new to your organization, I would absolutely encourage you to attend the fundamental sessions. More experienced professionals will value our industry deep dives and connection opportunities.

Ticket allocation is determined by your membership tier. For more information on your company’s allocation check out our FAQ. That said, one of the comments that we have gotten in the past, which I love, is that we have too many great sessions and it’s too hard to pick which session to go to. So, I recommend having more than one person on your team attend. While not always feasible, multiple folks can take advantage of all the great content.

What are you excited about for this year’s event?

For me it is always the people. I get super excited to see everybody and to leverage the networking spaces and the receptions to chat with members. 

New this year, we will have a dedicated networking space, where you can sign up for tables for networking conversations. Simply book a table in the Duluth Room (level three) using EventsGo, the event app (Download it from the AppStore and GooglePlay). Just schedule a meeting, tap location, and pick your table!

I am also incredibly thrilled to be in Minneapolis! We always choose great cities, but this year’s partner and host organizations have been very enthusiastic. So, I am looking forward to being there and exploring their city. Plus, there are some great restaurants. 

I always advise folks to take a look at the agenda and consider what sessions they want to attend in advance. Pro tip: Use the EventsGo app to create a personalized schedule and to schedule meetings. The session reminders are great to make sure you don’t miss a thing.  create a personalized schedule and to schedule meetings. The session reminders are great to make sure you don’t miss a thing.  

The second thing I advise folks to do is take advantage of our attendee directory and our networking opportunities. The unique value of this event is the ability to connect with folks in this space. Once you register, you can access the attendee directory on the website and the app to set meetings up with other attendees. 

Lastly, any highlights from previous summits you can share? 

I love all our summits, but there was something special about Seattle. We were able to partner with local CEBA member organizations to create unique experiences. For example, working with Starbucks we had a coffee tasting experience while they explained their clean energy goals. Additionally, REI hosted a fun run and a climbing wall experience. It was a highlight for me. 

Big thanks to Nikki for sharing her expert advice! Make sure to say hi to her in Minneapolis! What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event? Drop us a note, we’d love to hear from you!

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 16 April 2025

CEBA Statement on Executive Order Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) released the following statement from CEO Rich Powell in response to President Donald J. Trump’s executive order “Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century”:

“CEBA welcomes the Trump administration’s efforts to modernize the permitting process. To ensure that innovation-driven economic growth has a strong and stable energy supply delivered through a modern grid, reforming our permitting system is critical to allow the electricity customers we represent to expand the production of domestic clean energy. Permitting modernization that accelerates approvals of clean energy projects and much-needed new transmission capacity will help achieve the national energy dominance America needs to fuel our economy. CEBA looks forward to working with the National Energy Dominance Council, the Council on Environmental Quality, and other administration officials to shape permitting modernization our members need to achieve economic growth and innovation that benefits American workers and families.” 

  • Advocacy Updates
  • 11 March 2025

CEBA Travels to Japan to Discuss Updated Strategic Energy Plan

By Camorah King

CEBA’s global policy team traveled to Tokyo this winter to meet with government officials, member companies, and partners about the implications of Japan’s new strategic energy plan on corporate clean energy procurement. The strategic energy plan is Japan’s major energy policy guidance document and is revised every three years.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry released its updated draft strategic energy plan in December, targeting a 40-50% renewable energy and 20% nuclear energy mix by 2040. In the plan, the government makes a strategic shift to prioritizing and maximizing renewable energy resources for decarbonization. This is an encouraging development, because CEBA’s members view renewable energy resources as the most cost effective and scalable procurement option for Japan.

The plan also notes a clear dependency between economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and clean energy expansion. The plan references U.S. companies’ concern about the lack of clean energy supply to meet their growing needs in Japan and acknowledges that if sufficient clean electricity resources are not secured, opportunities for domestic investment and economic growth will be missed.

The Japanese government’s prioritization of industrial economic growth and decarbonization is highlighted in its draft green transformation (GX) 2040 Vision, a strategic framework integrated with Japan’s energy plan to drive toward carbon neutrality by 2050. The GX 2040 Vision seeks to drive public-private partnership in clean energy investment and supply-demand coordination.

The implementation of the GX initiative is directed through the GX Promotion Act, enacted in May 2023, which established economic transition bonds and a carbon pricing system anticipated to take full effect in March 2026. The draft strategic energy plan and GX 2040 Vision are set to be finalized by March 2025 and will guide the budget allocation process for FY2026 as well as proposed amendments to include further business decarbonization incentive measures of the GX Promotion Act.

Japan predicts that an increase in electricity production between 10-20% by 2040 will require grid buildout to integrate clean energy resources and curb curtailment at least cost. Electricity load growth from expanding data center and semiconductor industries offers an economic and clean energy opportunity for Japan. CEBA agrees with the ministry’s outlook that business cooperation with government and other related organizations to promote proactive clean energy grid planning and development is essential to meet this demand.

In a February workshop led by CEBA with clean energy stakeholders in Tokyo, it was clear Japan has an active and ambitious community seeking solutions to help Japan decarbonize its electricity grid. CEBA released an Issue Brief on Energy Customer Needs in Japan last November, offering ways Japan can lower costs and enable accelerated clean energy investment and procurement. To achieve Japan’s GX vision and the business communities’ accelerated clean energy targets, a clear and robust stakeholder process must be established to facilitate meaningful demand side participation in electricity grid policy and planning.

Creating a conducive market that provides certainty and support for clean energy deployment is challenging but necessary to enable companies to spur economic growth and a reliable clean energy transition in Japan. The further development and implementation of Japan’s GX policy will be key to this success.

Contact Camorah King for more information on CEBA’s engagement in Japan.