The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) found six "Examples of Excellence" - a record number - when examining the real time operations of the Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (Midwest ISO). Examples of Excellence are unique practices that NERC finds extremely effective in maintaining the reliability of the interconnected bulk electric system.

"NERC's findings illustrate the Midwest ISO's commitment to exceptional operations, advanced technologies and comprehensive staff training," said Roger Harszy, vice president of Real Time Operations. "The Midwest ISO is proud to be a leader in ensuring the reliable and efficient transmission of power."

The Midwest ISO's Examples of Excellence recognized by NERC are: 

-- Using a dispatcher training simulator for multiple purposes 

-- Establishing critical application and support system functionality,  monitoring, and response activities 

-- Developing custom tools that are independent of network applications 

-- Developing an operational scorecard to review and improve reliability  functions on a daily basis 

-- Conducting power system restoration drills throughout the region 

 -- Performing voltage security analysis as an integral part of next-day  and current-day security analysis studies

In addition to the Examples of Excellence noted as a result of the November 2006 reliability readiness audit, 13 positive observations by the audit team highlight a culture that is committed to employee growth and excellence, the Midwest ISO's practice of encouraging staff to exceed NERC certification standards, and the Midwest ISO's cutting-edge technologies and procedures.

The objective of NERC's Reliability Readiness Audit and Improvement Program is to ensure the North American bulk power system is operating reliably. The Readiness Evaluation Program independently reviews all groups responsible for the North American bulk power system to determine their ability to maintain safe and reliable operations. During the evaluation, positive observations, enhancement recommendations and potential Examples of Excellence are noted.

The NERC audit team concluded that the Midwest ISO has adequate facilities, processes, plans, procedures, tools and trained personnel to perform the reliability coordinator functions necessary to maintain the reliable operation of the bulk power system, with no notable exceptions.

Additionally, Reliability First Corporation (RFC) found the Midwest ISO fully compliant during an RFC compliance audit in November 2006 consisting of 23 Reliability Standards designated in the 2006 Reliability First Compliance Implementation Plan