US Regional Transmission Operator (RTO) the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) has partnered with Microsoft to develop a unified data platform that aims to modernize grid planning and operations.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will provide access to its Azure and Foundry AI technologies. The companies said the initiative is intended to enhance grid forecasting and long-range transmission planning by improving system modeling through Microsoft Foundry, while also strengthening real-time grid reliability by leveraging AI-driven insights to detect, diagnose, and respond to grid conditions.

According to the companies, the approach will enable cloud-native analytics at scale via Microsoft Azure, providing a foundation for ongoing innovation and adaptability as the energy system evolves.

The companies added that the platform is designed to empower operators, engineers, and decision-makers through data visualization and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Power BI and Microsoft 365 Copilot, and to integrate with industry partners to accelerate broader grid modernization efforts.

"Our collaboration with MISO represents a bold step forward in modernizing one of North America’s most complex and critical electricity markets. By bringing advanced cloud and AI capabilities to grid operations, we’re building a future-ready, more resilient and sustainable grid that can anticipate challenges, optimize performance, and deliver reliable power as electrification and demand grow," said Darryl Willis, corporate vice president, Energy and Resources Industry at Microsoft.

The companies claim that a key benefit of integrating the data platforms will be a reduction in cycle times from weeks to minutes, allowing the RTO to make quicker, more informed decisions to predict and avoid congestion in the power system before it occurs.

“Such acceleration is critical because of the increasing diversity of energy mix, electrification, rising demand, and the growth of data centers,” said Nirav Shah, vice president, chief information and digital officer at MISO. “MISO is accelerating its digital transformation to ensure reliability and leverage the power of data and insights. Now is the time to partner with organizations that share a common interest in modernizing the grid operations of the future.”

MISO is one of seven RTOs operating in the US. RTOs manage large sections of the bulk electric grid and wholesale markets. MISO operates across 15 states, predominantly in the Midwest and South of the US. In late 2024, the RTO announced the approval of a $22 billion regional transmission plan, which will see it build more than 1,800 miles of new transmission lines to support load growth across its footprint.