WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) concluded its fifth annual
electric transmission meeting today in Washington, D.C. The meeting, Federalism and the Grid: Federal
and State Collaboration to Ensure a Reliable Electricity Grid, brought together governors’ staff, state
utility commissioners, utility companies, federal partners and other industry stakeholders to discuss the
importance of states and the government working together to accomplish the region’s transmission needs.
“The Midwest is blessed with affordable and diverse energy resources that help our states maximize our
economic development advantages and create more quality jobs in our states. By working with our major
stakeholders to rethink our approach to energy development, we can build a more reliable energy grid and
a robust economy,” said Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, Chair of the MGA.
Representatives from industry discussed storage innovations, their efforts to work across jurisdictions and
address pending regulatory actions, and how consumer actions may affect reliability. Attendees were
joined by officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, who provided insight into how states can better cooperate and
collaborate with the federal government, as well as how the Quadrennial Energy Review will affect states.
This was the fifth meeting the MGA hosted to highlight the steady progress in planning for the electric
transmission needs of the future.
Jesse Heier, executive director of the MGA, said, “Electric transmission planning serves as a great
example of how Midwestern governors are working together across state borders to strengthen the
regional economy, ensure grid reliability and continue to produce affordable electricity.”
More information on the MGA’s regional transmission efforts is available at
www.midwesterngovernors.org/transmission.htm.