MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) is preparing to allocate $22 billion across 24 transmission projects as part of its Long Range Transmission Planning (LRTP) initiative. The goal is to build a high-voltage backbone across 11 states, creating the critical infrastructure needed to support growing renewable energy demands. But for developers, this opportunity brings unprecedented challenges.

‍The challenge of speed and scale

The scale of MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2 is immense. With 24 projects covering a total straight-line distance of 2,700 miles, a developer aiming to bid on every project would plan an estimated 3,600 miles of actual routes—enough to stretch from Miami to Seattle. If each project receives five bids and developers evaluate five alternative routes per bid, this adds up to a total of around 90,000 miles of transmission lines being assessed, equivalent to circling the Earth more than three times. On top of this, routing across 11 states means developers must navigate over 1,500 GIS data layers, balancing environmental, regulatory, and cost considerations across multiple jurisdictions.

Traditional methods—manual mapping, static scenario planning, and spreadsheet-driven cost analysis—can’t keep up with this scale. The pressure to submit detailed, accurate bids within 165-day deadlines only compounds the problem. With so many moving parts, developers risk missing key environmental or regulatory factors, resulting in weaker proposals and higher project risks.

The need for faster, smarter planning

In the face of such complexity, advanced digital tools like Optioneer are transforming how developers approach transmission projects. Optioneer allows teams to generate multiple route options in hours rather than weeks, integrating essential GIS data and automating cost calculations specific to MISO’s requirements. This speed is crucial in a competitive bidding environment, where time is limited, and accuracy is everything.

But Optioneer doesn’t just speed up the routing process—it improves it. By identifying no-go zones, potential permitting challenges, and high-cost areas early on, developers can focus their efforts on the most promising routes, reducing risks and improving the overall quality of their bids.

For developers competing in MISO’s LRTP Tranche 2, leveraging technology like Optioneer provides a competitive advantage. It enables them to create data-backed, defensible proposals that stand up to MISO’s rigorous evaluation criteria while ensuring they meet tight deadlines.

The path forward: Adapt or fall behind

MISO’s Tranche 2 isn’t just a $22 billion opportunity; it’s an enormous logistical and planning challenge that requires enormous effort — evaluating thousands of miles of potential transmission lines. And even after the initial routing is done, the work is far from over. Field surveys, precise cost estimates, and data-driven decisions add a substantial workload—especially for those bidding on multiple projects. Competitors relying on traditional methods will struggle to keep up.

In today’s high-stakes environment, adopting smarter, AI-powered solutions like Optioneer isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. By leveraging these advanced digital tools that centralize transmission project management and automate MISO’s cost methodology, competitors can secure a competitive edge that positions them for success. Those who embrace new technologies to move fast, think smart, and deliver detailed, data-driven proposals will lead the race — and those who don’t risk being left behind.