MISO Data Strategy Challenge: Data Anonymization and Data Synthesis

ABSTRACT

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power to 42 million people across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. In its role as a Regional Transmission Operator (RTO), MISO collects and utilizes a tremendous amount of data, much of which contains confidential information that cannot be shared. In this Challenge, MISO is looking for methods and industry best practices for data anonymization as well as data synthesis to enhance our ability to partner with outside sources on MISO projects in order to enhance capabilities and its value proposition. MISO is seeking a comprehensive view on the current state of the art to provide greater value to their stakeholders. As MISO is a non-profit, value generated for members and stakeholders translates directly to greater value and lower energy costs for rate payers.

This is an Ideation Challenge with a guaranteed award for at least one submitted solution.

 

OVERVIEW

The bulk electric system (BES), made up of transmission lines and electric generation assets is critical infrastructure that billions of people around the world rely on every day. Specifically in the United States, Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) seeks to be the most reliable, value-creating regional transmission operator for the 42 million people it currently serves. When it comes to data, MISO is challenged with conflicting interests in pursuit of this mission. On one hand, protecting confidential information is critical to ensuring the safe operation of the grid. On the other hand, MISO must innovate and work with collaborative partners and research institutions to enhance its capabilities and value proposition.

In this Challenge, MISO is looking for methods and industry best practices for data anonymization as well as data synthesis to enhance our ability to partner with outside sources on MISO projects. MISO is seeking a comprehensive view on the current state of the art to provide greater value to their stakeholders, specifically related to best practices and methodologies. In addition to this, MISO is seeking organizational information around typical roles and responsibilities associated with data anonymization and data synthesis operating models. As MISO is a non-profit, value generated for members and stakeholders translates directly to greater value and lower energy costs for rate payers. Solvers will give an overview of the best practices, applications, and advantages for specific use cases.

This is an Ideation Challenge, which has the following unique features:

• There is a guaranteed award.  The award(s) will be paid to the best submission(s) as solely determined by the Seeker. The total payout will be $15,000, with at least one award being no smaller than $5,000 and no award being smaller than $2,500.

• The Solvers are not required to transfer exclusive intellectual property rights to the Seeker.  Rather, by submitting a proposal, the Solver grants to the Seeker a royalty-free, perpetual, and non-exclusive license to use any information included in this proposal, including for promotional purposes.

Submissions to this Challenge must be received by 11:59 PM (US Eastern Time) on 14-Nov-2022.
Late submissions will not be considered.

After the Challenge deadline, the Seeker will complete the review process and make a decision with regards to the Winning Solution(s). All Solvers that submit a proposal will be notified on the status of their submissions; however, no detailed evaluation of individual submissions will be provided.

ABOUT THE SEEKER

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Operating one of the world’s largest energy markets (with annual energy transactions worth of more than $29 billion), MISO is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry. To learn more about MISO and its mission, visit www.misoenergy.org.

 

What is the Wazoku Crowd?

Imagine a world where any problem you have can be looked at by millions of expert, motivated eyes. The Wazoku Crowd makes this possible. With twenty years of experience in crowdsourcing, the Wazoku Crowd is the gold standard for open talent and external innovation solutions. Commercial, governmental and humanitarian organizations engage with the Wazoku Crowd to solve problems that can impact humankind in areas ranging from the environment to medical advancements.

What is a Wazoku Crowd Ideation™ Challenge?

A Wazoku Crowd Ideation™ Challenge is a broad question formulated to obtain access to new ideas, similar to a global brainstorm for producing a breakthrough idea or market survey which may include ideas for a new product line, a new commercial application for a current product, or even a viral marketing idea to recruit new customers. Ideation™ Challenge submissions are typically about two written pages, and Seekers receive a non-exclusive, perpetual license to use all submissions.

In an Ideation™ Challenge, Solvers may:

• Submit ideas of their own
• Submit third party information that they have the right to use and further the authority to convey that right and the right to use and develop derivative works to Seekers
• Submit information considered in the public domain without any limitations on use

Solvers should not reveal any confidential information in their submissions. Often the Ideation™ Challenge will be followed by one or more of the other three Challenge types to further develop the ideas and gain Intellectual Property protection when the concept has been well-defined.