TY 2015 Form 990

- TIN:

Form990

Department of the TreasuryInternal Revenue Service

Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax

Under section 501(c), 527, or 4947(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code (except private
foundations)

Do not enter social security numbers on this form as it may be made public.

Information about Form 990 and its instructions is at www.IRS.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

A For the 2015 calendar year, or tax year beginning 01-01-2015 , and ending 12-31-2015

BCheck if applicable: Address change Name change Initial return Final return/terminated Amended return Application pending

CName of organization
Midcontinent Independent System
Operator Inc
% WAYNE SCHUG

Doing business as

Number and street (or P.O. box if mail is not delivered to street address)
PO BOX 4202

Room/suite

City or town, state or province, country, and ZIP or foreign postal code
CARMEL, IN46082

D Employer identification number

43-1827033

E Telephone number

G Gross receipts $ 335,261,589

F Name and address of principal officer:
JOHN BEAR
POBOX 4202
CARMEL,IN46032

Tax-exempt status: 501(c)(3) 501(c) ( 4 ) LeftBullet

(insert no.) 4947(a)(1) or 527

Website:

www.misoenergy.org

H(a)

Is this a group return for
subordinates? Yes No

H(b)

Are all subordinates
included?

Yes No

If "No," attach a list. (see instructions)

H(c)

Group exemption number MediumBullet

K Form of organization: Corporation Trust Association Other MediumBullet

L Year of formation: 1998

M State of legal domicile: DE

Part I

Summary

1	Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: MONITOR AND CONTROL ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM TO PROVIDE NON-DISCRIMINATORY OPEN-ACCESS TO ALL CUSTOMERS AND ENSURE SAFE, RELIABLE, AND EFFICIENT OPERATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL.
2	Check this box
3	Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........	3	10
4	Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .....	4	9
5	Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2015 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	997
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	0
7a	Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........	7a	0
b	Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 34 .........	7b

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	4,251,106	3,189,311
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........	301,369,452	327,492,677
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	3,176,292	1,457,644
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)	3,901,216	3,121,957
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	312,698,066	335,261,589
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...	0	0
14	Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....	0	0
15	Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10)	129,567,329	142,677,091
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....	0	0
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 0
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	182,481,595	192,584,498
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	312,048,924	335,261,589
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	649,142	0
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	1,035,629,330	956,430,705
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	1,035,629,330	956,430,705
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	0	0

Part II

Signature Block

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this return, including accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, it is true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than officer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title

Paid Preparer Use Only

Print/Type preparer's name

Preparer's signature

Date

Check if
self-employed

PTIN

Firm's name MediumBullet

Firm's EIN MediumBullet

Firm's address MediumBullet

Phone no.

May the IRS discuss this return with the preparer shown above? (see instructions) ..........YesNo

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the separate instructions.

Cat. No. 11282Y Form 990 (2015)

Form 990 (2015)

Page 2

Part III

Statement of Program Service Accomplishments

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part III ..............

Briefly describe the organization’s mission: MONITOR AND CONTROL AN ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES ALL CUSTOMERS WITH OPEN ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AND ENSURE SAFE, RELIABLE, AND EFFICIENT OPERATION FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL CUSTOMERS.

Did the organization undertake any significant program services during the year which were not listed on
the prior Form 990 or 990-EZ? ..................... Yes No

If "Yes," describe these new services on Schedule O.

Did the organization cease conducting, or make significant changes in how it conducts, any program
services? ........................... Yes No

If "Yes," describe these changes on Schedule O.

Describe the organization’s program service accomplishments for each of its three largest program services, as measured by expenses. Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations are required to report the amount of grants and allocations to others, the total expenses, and revenue, if any, for each program service reported.


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 282,955,802 including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ 330,614,634 )
	ON DECEMBER 19, 2001, THE MIDCONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR, INC. (MISO OR THE COMPANY) BECAME THE NATION'S FIRST REGIONAL TRANSMISSION ORGANIZATION (RTO) APPROVED BY THE FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (THE FERC). AS AN RTO, MISO PROVIDES TRANSMISSION SERVICE ON BEHALF OF ITS MEMBERS WHO OWN TRANSMISSION ASSETS. IN ADDITION, MISO IS A NORTH AMERICAN ELECTRIC RELIABILITY CORPORATION (NERC) CERTIFIED RELIABILITY COORDINATOR. IN THAT CAPACITY, MISO MONITORS THE FLOW OF ELECTRICITY OVER THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS OF ITS MEMBERS WHO OWN TRANSMISSION ASSETS. MISO WAS INCORPORATED AS A DELAWARE NON-STOCK, NONPROFIT CORPORATION IN MARCH 1998. THE COMPANY IS GOVERNED BY AN INDEPENDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS. MEMBERSHIP IN MISO IS OPEN TO OWNERS OF ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FACILITIES AS WELL AS OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN THE ELECTRIC ENERGY MARKET. FIFTY TRANSMISSION OWNERS WITH MORE THAN 65,800 MILES OF TRANSMISSION LINES, 180,711 MEGAWATTS OF ELECTRIC GENERATION, AND APPROXIMATELY $31.4 BILLION IN INSTALLED GROSS TRANSMISSION ASSETS ARE CURRENTLY PARTICIPATING IN MISO. ON DECEMBER 15, 2001, THE COMPANY BEGAN PROVIDING RELIABILITY COORDINATION SERVICES TO THE TRANSMISSION-OWNING MEMBERS OF MISO AND THEIR CUSTOMERS. ON THE SAME DATE, MISO ALSO BEGAN PROVIDING OPERATIONS PLANNING, GENERATION INTERCONNECTION, MAINTENANCE COORDINATION, LONG-TERM REGIONAL PLANNING, MARKET MONITORING, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION SERVICES. THE COMPANY COMMENCED SUBSTANTIALLY ALL OPERATIONS ON FEBRUARY 1, 2002, THE DATE MISO BEGAN PROVIDING REGIONAL TRANSMISSION SERVICE UNDER ITS FERC-ACCEPTED OPEN ACCESS TRANSMISSION AND ENERGY MARKETS TARIFF (THE TARIFF). ON APRIL 1, 2005, MISO FORMALLY BEGAN OPERATING ITS MARKET-BASED CONGESTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WHICH FEATURES THE FOLLOWING: - DAY-AHEAD ENERGY MARKET - REAL-TIME ENERGY MARKET - FINANCIAL TRANSMISSION RIGHTS (FTR) MARKET THE DAY-AHEAD AND REAL-TIME ENERGY MARKETS ARE DESIGNED TO RELIABLY MAKE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF ALL GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION RESOURCES WITHIN THE REGION BASED ON BIDS AND OFFERS SUBMITTED BY MARKET PARTICIPANTS. THE DAY-AHEAD AND REAL-TIME ENERGY MARKETS PRICE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM CONGESTION THROUGH THE USE OF LOCATIONAL MARGINAL PRICING (LMP) ALGORITHMS. FTRS PROVIDE A MEANS OF HEDGING LMP-BASED CONGESTION COSTS. ON JANUARY 6, 2009, MISO BEGAN OPERATING A MARKET FOR ANCILLARY SERVICES. THE ANCILLARY SERVICES MARKET INTEGRATES THE PROCUREMENT AND USE OF REGULATION AND CONTINGENCY RESERVES WITH THE EXISTING REAL-TIME ENERGY MARKET. MISO ALSO BECAME AN NERC-CERTIFIED BALANCING AUTHORITY ON JANUARY 6, 2009.

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses282,955,802

Form 990 (2015)

Page 3

Part IV

Checklist of Required Schedules

Yes

Is the organization described in section 501(c)(3) or 4947(a)(1) (other than a private foundation)? If "Yes," complete Schedule A.....................

Is the organization required to complete Schedule B, Schedule of Contributors (see instructions)? ...

Did the organization engage in direct or indirect political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part I Click to see attachment

.............

Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization engage in lobbying activities, or have a section 501(h) election in effect during the tax year? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part II..............

Is the organization a section 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organization that receives membership dues, assessments, or similar amounts as defined in Revenue Procedure 98-19? If "Yes," complete Schedule C, Part III Click to see attachment

.................

Yes

Did the organization maintain any donor advised funds or any similar funds or accounts for which donors have the right to provide advice on the distribution or investment of amounts in such funds or accounts? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part I Click to see attachment

..................

Did the organization receive or hold a conservation easement, including easements to preserve open space,
the environment, historic land areas, or historic structures? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part II Click to see attachment

...

Did the organization maintain collections of works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part III Click to see attachment

.............

Did the organization report an amount in Part X, line 21 for escrow or custodial account liability; serve as a custodian for amounts not listed in Part X; or provide credit counseling, debt management, credit repair, or debt negotiation services? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IV Click to see attachment

..............

Did the organization, directly or through a related organization, hold assets in temporarily restricted endowments, permanent endowments, or quasi-endowments? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part V Click to see attachment

......

If the organization’s answer to any of the following questions is "Yes," then complete Schedule D, Parts VI, VII, VIII, IX, or X as applicable.

Did the organization report an amount for land, buildings, and equipment in Part X, line 10?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VI. Click to see attachment

...................

11a

Yes

Did the organization report an amount for investments—other securities in Part X, line 12 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VII Click to see attachment

.......

11b

Did the organization report an amount for investments—program related in Part X, line 13 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part VIII Click to see attachment

.......

11c

Did the organization report an amount for other assets in Part X, line 15 that is 5% or more of its total assets reported in Part X, line 16? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part IX Click to see attachment

............

11d

Yes

Did the organization report an amount for other liabilities in Part X, line 25? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X Click to see attachment

11e

Yes

Did the organization’s separate or consolidated financial statements for the tax year include a footnote that addresses the organization’s liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740)? If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Part X Click to see attachment

11f

12a

Did the organization obtain separate, independent audited financial statements for the tax year?
If "Yes," complete Schedule D, Parts XI and XII Click to see attachment

.................

12a

Yes

Was the organization included in consolidated, independent audited financial statements for the tax year? If "Yes," and if the organization answered "No" to line 12a, then completing Schedule D, Parts XI and XII is optional Click to see attachment

12b

Is the organization a school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii)? If "Yes," complete Schedule E

14a

Did the organization maintain an office, employees, or agents outside of the United States? .....

14a

Did the organization have aggregate revenues or expenses of more than $10,000 from grantmaking, fundraising, business, investment, and program service activities outside the United States, or aggregate foreign investments valued at $100,000 or more? If "Yes," complete Schedule F, Parts I and IV.........

14b

Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for any foreign organization? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts II and IV.....

Did the organization report on Part IX, column (A), line 3, more than $5,000 of aggregate grants or other assistance to or for foreign individuals? If “Yes,” complete Schedule F, Parts III and IV...

Did the organization report a total of more than $15,000 of expenses for professional fundraising services on Part IX, column (A), lines 6 and 11e? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part I (see instructions) ....

Did the organization report more than $15,000 total of fundraising event gross income and contributions on Part VIII, lines 1c and 8a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part II............

Did the organization report more than $15,000 of gross income from gaming activities on Part VIII, line 9a? If "Yes," complete Schedule G, Part III...................

20a

Did the organization operate one or more hospital facilities? If "Yes," complete Schedule H....

20a

If "Yes" to line 20a, did the organization attach a copy of its audited financial statements to this return?

20b

Form 990 (2015)

Page 4

Part IV

Checklist of Required Schedules (continued)

Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to any domestic organization or domestic government on Part IX, column (A), line 1? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and II.....

Did the organization report more than $5,000 of grants or other assistance to or for domestic individuals on Part IX, column (A), line 2? If “Yes,” complete Schedule I, Parts I and III........

Did the organization answer "Yes" to Part VII, Section A, line 3, 4, or 5 about compensation of the organization’s current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees? If "Yes," complete Schedule J....................... Click to see attachment

Yes

24a

Did the organization have a tax-exempt bond issue with an outstanding principal amount of more than $100,000 as of the last day of the year, that was issued after December 31, 2002? If “Yes,” answer lines 24b through 24d and complete Schedule K. If “No,” go to line 25a...............

24a

Did the organization invest any proceeds of tax-exempt bonds beyond a temporary period exception?...

24b

Did the organization maintain an escrow account other than a refunding escrow at any time during the year
to defease any tax-exempt bonds? ...............

24c

Did the organization act as an "on behalf of" issuer for bonds outstanding at any time during the year?...

24d

25a

Section 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations. Did the organization engage in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person during the year? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I............

25a

Is the organization aware that it engaged in an excess benefit transaction with a disqualified person in a prior year, and that the transaction has not been reported on any of the organization’s prior Forms 990 or 990-EZ? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part I ...................

25b

Did the organization report any amount on Part X, line 5, 6, or 22 for receivables from or payables to any current or former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, or disqualified persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part II ................

Did the organization provide a grant or other assistance to an officer, director, trustee, key employee, substantial contributor or employee thereof, a grant selection committee member, or to a 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part III.........

Was the organization a party to a business transaction with one of the following parties (see Schedule L, Part IV instructions for applicable filing thresholds, conditions, and exceptions):

A current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L,
Part IV ........................

28a

A family member of a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV.....................

28b

An entity of which a current or former officer, director, trustee, or key employee (or a family member thereof) was an officer, director, trustee, or direct or indirect owner? If "Yes," complete Schedule L, Part IV...

28c

Did the organization receive more than $25,000 in non-cash contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M..

Did the organization receive contributions of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets, or qualified conservation contributions? If "Yes," complete Schedule M .............

Did the organization liquidate, terminate, or dissolve and cease operations? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part I.

Did the organization sell, exchange, dispose of, or transfer more than 25% of its net assets? If "Yes," complete Schedule N, Part II ...........

Did the organization own 100% of an entity disregarded as separate from the organization under Regulations sections 301.7701-2 and 301.7701-3? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part I ........

Was the organization related to any tax-exempt or taxable entity? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part II, III, or IV, and Part V, line 1.........................

35a

Did the organization have a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)?

35a

If ‘Yes’ to line 35a, did the organization receive any payment from or engage in any transaction with a controlled entity within the meaning of section 512(b)(13)? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2 ...

35b

Section 501(c)(3) organizations. Did the organization make any transfers to an exempt non-charitable related organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part V, line 2.............

Did the organization conduct more than 5% of its activities through an entity that is not a related organization and that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes? If "Yes," complete Schedule R, Part VI

Did the organization complete Schedule O and provide explanations in Schedule O for Part VI, lines 11b and 19? Note. All Form 990 filers are required to complete Schedule O. ............

Yes

Form 990 (2015)

Page 5

Part V

Statements Regarding Other IRS Filings and Tax Compliance
Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part V...........

Yes

Enter the number reported in Box 3 of Form 1096 Enter -0- if not applicable ..

213

Enter the number of Forms W-2G included in line 1a. Enter -0- if not applicable .

Did the organization comply with backup withholding rules for reportable payments to vendors and reportable gaming (gambling) winnings to prize winners? ..................

Yes

Enter the number of employees reported on Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and
Tax Statements, filed for the calendar year ending with or within the year covered by this return ..................

997

If at least one is reported on line 2a, did the organization file all required federal employment tax returns?
Note. If the sum of lines 1a and 2a is greater than 250, you may be required to e-file (see instructions)

Yes

Did the organization have unrelated business gross income of $1,000 or more during the year?...

If “Yes,” has it filed a Form 990-T for this year? If “No” to line 3b, provide an explanation in Schedule O...

At any time during the calendar year, did the organization have an interest in, or a signature or other authority over, a financial account in a foreign country (such as a bank account, securities account, or other financial account)? ..

If "Yes," enter the name of the foreign country: MediumBullet

See instructions for filing requirements for FinCEN Form 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR).

Was the organization a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction at any time during the tax year? ..

Did any taxable party notify the organization that it was or is a party to a prohibited tax shelter transaction?

If "Yes," to line 5a or 5b, did the organization file Form 8886-T? ............

Does the organization have annual gross receipts that are normally greater than $100,000, and did the organization solicit any contributions that were not tax deductible as charitable contributions? ...

If "Yes," did the organization include with every solicitation an express statement that such contributions or gifts were not tax deductible? ......................

Organizations that may receive deductible contributions under section 170(c).

Did the organization receive a payment in excess of $75 made partly as a contribution and partly for goods and services provided to the payor? ....................

If "Yes," did the organization notify the donor of the value of the goods or services provided? .....

Did the organization sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of tangible personal property for which it was required to file Form 8282? .........................

If "Yes," indicate the number of Forms 8282 filed during the year ....

Did the organization receive any funds, directly or indirectly, to pay premiums on a personal benefit contract?

Did the organization, during the year, pay premiums, directly or indirectly, on a personal benefit contract? ..

If the organization received a contribution of qualified intellectual property, did the organization file Form 8899 as required? ......................

If the organization received a contribution of cars, boats, airplanes, or other vehicles, did the organization file a Form 1098-C? ..........................

Sponsoring organizations maintaining donor advised funds.
Did a donor advised fund maintained by the sponsoring organization have excess business holdings at any time during the year? .........................

Did the sponsoring organization make any taxable distributions under section 4966?...

Did the sponsoring organization make a distribution to a donor, donor advisor, or related person?...

Section 501(c)(7) organizations. Enter:

Initiation fees and capital contributions included on Part VIII, line 12 ...

10a

Gross receipts, included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, for public use of club facilities

10b

Section 501(c)(12) organizations. Enter:

Gross income from members or shareholders .........

11a

Gross income from other sources (Do not net amounts due or paid to other sources against amounts due or received from them.) ..........

11b

12a

Section 4947(a)(1) non-exempt charitable trusts. Is the organization filing Form 990 in lieu of Form 1041?

12a

If "Yes," enter the amount of tax-exempt interest received or accrued during the year.

12b

Section 501(c)(29) qualified nonprofit health insurance issuers.

Is the organization licensed to issue qualified health plans in more than one state?
Note. See the instructions for additional information the organization must report on Schedule O.

13a

Enter the amount of reserves the organization is required to maintain by the states in which the organization is licensed to issue qualified health plans ....

13b

Enter the amount of reserves on hand ............

13c

14a

Did the organization receive any payments for indoor tanning services during the tax year?.....

14a

If "Yes," has it filed a Form 720 to report these payments? If "No," provide an explanation in Schedule O..

14b

Form 990 (2015)

Page 6

Part VI

Governance, Management, and Disclosure For each "Yes" response to lines 2 through 7b below, and for a "No" response to lines 8a, 8b, or 10b below, describe the circumstances, processes, or changes in Schedule O. See instructions.

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VI ..............

Section A. Governing Body and Management

Yes

Enter the number of voting members of the governing body at the end of the tax year

If there are material differences in voting rights among members of the governing body, or if the governing body delegated broad authority to an executive committee or similar committee, explain in Schedule O.

Enter the number of voting members included in line 1a, above, who are independent

Did any officer, director, trustee, or key employee have a family relationship or a business relationship with any other officer, director, trustee, or key employee? .................

Did the organization delegate control over management duties customarily performed by or under the direct supervision of officers, directors or trustees, or key employees to a management company or other person? .

Did the organization make any significant changes to its governing documents since the prior Form 990 was filed? ...........................

Yes

Did the organization become aware during the year of a significant diversion of the organization’s assets? .

Did the organization have members or stockholders? ................

Yes

Did the organization have members, stockholders, or other persons who had the power to elect or appoint one or more members of the governing body? ....................

Yes

Are any governance decisions of the organization reserved to (or subject to approval by) members, stockholders, or persons other than the governing body? ...................

Did the organization contemporaneously document the meetings held or written actions undertaken during the year by the following:

The governing body? .......................

Yes

Each committee with authority to act on behalf of the governing body? ............

Yes

Is there any officer, director, trustee, or key employee listed in Part VII, Section A, who cannot be reached at the organization’s mailing address? If "Yes," provide the names and addresses in Schedule O.......

Section B. Policies (This Section B requests information about policies not required by the Internal Revenue Code.)

Yes

10a

Did the organization have local chapters, branches, or affiliates? ............

10a

If "Yes," did the organization have written policies and procedures governing the activities of such chapters, affiliates, and branches to ensure their operations are consistent with the organization's exempt purposes?

10b

11a

Has the organization provided a complete copy of this Form 990 to all members of its governing body before filing the form? ............................

11a

Yes

Describe in Schedule O the process, if any, used by the organization to review this Form 990. .....

12a

Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy? If "No," go to line 13.......

12a

Yes

Were officers, directors, or trustees, and key employees required to disclose annually interests that could give rise to conflicts? ..........................

12b

Yes

Did the organization regularly and consistently monitor and enforce compliance with the policy? If "Yes," describe in Schedule O how this was done...................

12c

Yes

Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy? ...............

Yes

Did the organization have a written document retention and destruction policy? .........

Yes

Did the process for determining compensation of the following persons include a review and approval by independent persons, comparability data, and contemporaneous substantiation of the deliberation and decision?

The organization’s CEO, Executive Director, or top management official ...........

15a

Yes

Other officers or key employees of the organization ................

15b

Yes

If "Yes" to line 15a or 15b, describe the process in Schedule O (see instructions).

16a

Did the organization invest in, contribute assets to, or participate in a joint venture or similar arrangement with a taxable entity during the year? ......................

16a

If "Yes," did the organization follow a written policy or procedure requiring the organization to evaluate its participation in joint venture arrangements under applicable federal tax law, and take steps to safeguard the organization’s exempt status with respect to such arrangements? ............

16b

Section C. Disclosure

List the States with which a copy of this Form 990 is required to be filed MediumBullet

DC , IN

Section 6104 requires an organization to make its Form 1023 (or 1024 if applicable), 990, and 990-T (501(c)(3)s only) available for public inspection. Indicate how you made these available. Check all that apply.

Own website Another's website Upon request Other (explain in Schedule O)

Describe in Schedule O whether (and if so, how) the organization made its governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and financial statements available to the public during the tax year.

State the name, address, and telephone number of the person who possesses the organization's books and records:
MediumBullet

WAYNE SCHUGPOBOX 4202 CARMEL,IN46032 (317) 249-5400

Form 990 (2015)

Page 7

Part VII

Compensation of Officers, Directors,Trustees, Key Employees, Highest Compensated Employees, and Independent Contractors

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VII ..............

Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees

1a Complete this table for all persons required to be listed. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.
RoundBullet

List all of the organization’s current officers, directors, trustees (whether individuals or organizations), regardless of amount
of compensation. Enter -0- in columns (D), (E), and (F) if no compensation was paid.

List all of the organization’s current key employees, if any. See instructions for definition of "key employee."

List the organization’s five current highest compensated employees (other than an officer, director, trustee or key employee)
who received reportable compensation (Box 5 of Form W-2 and/or Box 7 of Form 1099-MISC) of more than $100,000 from the
organization and any related organizations.

List all of the organization’s former officers, key employees, or highest compensated employees who received more than $100,000
of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List all of the organization’s former directors or trustees that received, in the capacity as a former director or trustee of the
organization, more than $10,000 of reportable compensation from the organization and any related organizations.

List persons in the following order: individual trustees or directors; institutional trustees; officers; key employees; highest
compensated employees; and former such persons.

Check this box if neither the organization nor any related organization compensated any current officer, director, or trustee.

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)		(D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(A) Name and Title
(1) Paul Feldman...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		129,750	0	15,000
(2) J Michael Evans...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		139,875	0	15,000
(3) Michael Curran...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		146,375	0	15,000
(4) Judy Walsh...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		146,250	0	15,000
(5) Baljit Dail...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		137,250	0	15,000
(6) Shelley Longmuir...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		189,612	0	15,000
(7) Eugene Zeltmann...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		140,375	0	15,000
(8) John Bear...................................................................... PRESIDENT & CEO	40.0 ................. 0.0	X	X	2,051,129	0	276,911
(9) Paul J Bonavia...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		101,375	0	15,000
(10) Thomas M Rainwater...................................................................... DIRECTOR	6.0 ................. 0.0	X		101,375	0	15,000
(11) Greg Powell...................................................................... VP - HUMAN RESOURCES	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	497,066	0	95,689
(12) Jennifer Curran...................................................................... VP System Planning & Seams Coo	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	407,005	0	71,514
(13) Joseph Gardner...................................................................... VP Forward Markets and Ops	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	411,306	0	89,091
(14) Todd Hillman...................................................................... VP - External Affairs	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	439,927	0	46,222
(15) Todd Ramey...................................................................... VP System Ops and Markets	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	423,916	0	79,400
(16) Richard Schug...................................................................... VP Stragegy & Business Develop	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	380,182	0	76,114
(17) Josephine Biggers...................................................................... VP of Finance	40.0 ................. 0.0		X	533,396	0	89,536

Form 990 (2015)

Page 8

Part VII

Section A. Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees (continued)

(A) Name and Title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)				(D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W- 2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(A) Name and Title
(18) John Carl Goode........................................................................ Sr VP and CIO	40.0 .......................0.0	X			441,038	0	91,108
(19) David Charles Boyd........................................................................ VP Gov & Regulatory Affair	40.0 .......................0.0	X			210,263	0	68,795
(20) Richard Doying........................................................................ Exec VP Ops and Corp	40.0 .......................0.0	X			810,340	0	114,364
(21) Stephen Kozey........................................................................ SR VP - Lgl & Compliance SVCS	40.0 .......................0.0	X			832,162	0	137,712
(22) Clair Moeller........................................................................ Exec VP - Transmisson & Tech	40.0 .......................0.0	X			879,870	0	125,857
(23) Kurt W Bilas........................................................................ Exec Dir Gov't Relations	40.0 .......................0.0		X		314,081	0	42,677
(24) Lori Spence........................................................................ Deputy General Counsel	40.0 .......................0.0		X		323,319	0	42,032
(25) Eric Bruce Stephens........................................................................ Deputy General Counsel	40.0 .......................0.0		X		325,685	0	17,888
(26) Jeffrey Mark Bladen........................................................................ Exec Dir Market Service	40.0 .......................0.0		X		290,881	0	49,140
(27) Patrick Alan Brown........................................................................ Executive Director of TAM	40.0 .......................0.0		X		274,208	0	35,666
(28) William Philips........................................................................ VP - RELIABILITY & SECUR. REL.	0.0 .......................0.0			X	161,139	0	0

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	11,239,150	0	1,684,716

Total number of individuals (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of reportable compensation from the organization MediumBullet

433

Yes

Did the organization list any former officer, director or trustee, key employee, or highest compensated employee on line 1a? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such individual ..............

Yes

For any individual listed on line 1a, is the sum of reportable compensation and other compensation from the organization and related organizations greater than $150,000? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such
individual...........................

Yes

Did any person listed on line 1a receive or accrue compensation from any unrelated organization or individual for services rendered to the organization? If "Yes," complete Schedule J for such person ........

Section B. Independent Contractors

Complete this table for your five highest compensated independent contractors that received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization. Report compensation for the calendar year ending with or within the organization’s tax year.

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation
MONUMENT CONSULTING, 3659 WESTMERRE PKWY RICHMOND,VA23233	PROF SVCS/CONSULTING	8,459,054
ALSTOM GRID, 10865 WILLOWS ROAD REDMOND,WA98052	SOFTWARE SERVICES	8,125,624
POTOMAC ECONOMICS, 9990 FAIRFAX BLVD FAIRFAX,VA22030	INDEP MRKT MNTR SVCS	5,595,011
UTILICAST, PO BOX 38 KIRKLAND,WA98083	PROF SVCS/CONSULTING	3,128,479
NABOHLZ CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, 1718 ALDERGATE ROAD LITTLE ROCK,AR55410	CONSTRUCTION SERVICE	2,793,734
2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 93

Form 990 (2015)

Page 9

Part VIII

Statement of Revenue

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part VIII .............

(A)
Total revenue

(B)
Related or
exempt
function
revenue

(D)
Revenue
excluded from
tax under sections
512-514

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a
b	Membership dues..		1b
c	Fundraising events..		1c	0
d	Related organizations		1d
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e	3,189,311

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a-1f:$ 0
h Total.Add lines 1a-1f.......		3,189,311

		Business Code
2a	Cost Recovery Adder	525990	271,256,103	271,256,103	0	0
b	FERC Assessment	525990	46,073,253	46,073,253	0	0
c	Other Tariff Services	525990	2,159,838	2,159,838	0	0
d	Contract Revenue	525990	604,320	604,320	0	0
e	Engineering Studies	525990	5,328,274	5,328,274	0	0
f	All other program service revenue.			2,070,889	2,070,889	0	0
g Total.Add lines 2a–2f.....			327,492,677

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ..........			1,457,644			1,457,644
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds			0
5 Royalties...........			0
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents
b	Less: rental expenses
c	Rental income or (loss)	0	0
d	Net rental income or (loss)......			0
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses
c	Gain or (loss)
d	Net gain or (loss).....			0
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..			0
9a	Gross income from gaming activities. See Part IV, line 19 ...
	a
b	Less: direct expenses ...b
c	Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..			0
10a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ..
	a
b	Less: cost of goods sold ..b
c	Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..			0
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a	Regulatory Credits		900099	3,121,957	3,121,957	0	0
b
c
d	All other revenue ....
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......			3,121,957
12	Total revenue. See Instructions......			335,261,589	330,614,634	0	1,457,644

Form 990 (2015)

Page 10

Part IX

Statement of Functional Expenses

Section 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations must complete all columns. All other organizations must complete column (A).Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............

Do not include amounts reported on lines 6b, 7b, 8b, 9b, and 10b of Part VIII.		(A) Total expenses	(B) Program service expenses	(C) Management and general expenses	(D) Fundraising expenses

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21	0	0
2	Grants and other assistance to individuals in the United States. See Part IV, line 22	0	0
3	Grants and other assistance to governments, organizations, and individuals outside the United States. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16	0	0
4	Benefits paid to or for members	0	0
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ....	9,549,836	4,403,847	5,145,989	0
6	Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ....	0	0	0	0
7	Other salaries and wages	103,122,112	81,910,303	21,211,809	0
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....	8,345,211	6,305,191	2,040,020	0
9	Other employee benefits .......	14,358,489	10,848,434	3,510,055	0
10	Payroll taxes ...........	7,301,443	6,092,037	1,209,406	0
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......	0	0	0	0
b	Legal .........	4,814,969	3,688,584	1,126,385	0
c	Accounting ...........	183,675	0	183,675	0
d	Lobbying ...........	0	0	0	0
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17	0			0
f	Investment management fees ......	0	0	0	0
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	34,178,482	26,979,700	7,198,782
12	Advertising and promotion ....	0	0	0	0
13	Office expenses .......	7,967,497	6,103,629	1,863,868	0
14	Information technology ......	18,063,527	17,556,964	506,563	0
15	Royalties ..	0	0	0	0
16	Occupancy ...........	11,449,159	8,770,812	2,678,347	0
17	Travel ............	6,105,408	3,199,412	2,905,996	0
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .	0	0	0	0
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	467,987	317,815	150,172	0
20	Interest ...........	8,253,143	8,253,143		0
21	Payments to affiliates .......	0	0	0	0
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..	51,381,583	51,381,583	0	0
23	Insurance ...	1,976,940		1,976,940	0
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a	FERC Assessment	46,073,254	46,073,254	0	0
b	Membership/Dues	435,535	135,730	299,805	0
c	Hiring/Retention Costs	627,922	570,038	57,884	0
d	Bank Charges	189,073	0	189,073	0
e	All other expenses	416,344	365,326	51,018
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	335,261,589	282,955,802	52,305,787	0
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).	0

Form 990 (2015)

Page 11

Part X

Balance Sheet

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part IX ..............

				(A) Beginning of year		(B) End of year

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........			7,750,137	1	34,590,863
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........			797,005,424	2	707,959,495
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......			0	3	0
4	Accounts receivable, net .............			24,864,187	4	23,093,394
5	Loans and other receivables from current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, and highest compensated employees. Complete Part II of Schedule L
				0	5	0
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B), and contributing employers and sponsoring organizations of section 501(c)(9) voluntary employees' beneficiary organizations (see instructions) Complete Part II of Schedule L
				0	6	0
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ....			82,390	7	78,369
8	Inventories for sale or use ........			0	8	0
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......			10,947,736	9	10,488,403
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a	519,844,251
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b	393,693,649	127,588,978	10c	126,150,602
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .			0	11	0
12	Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....			0	12	0
13	Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..			0	13	0
14	Intangible assets ...............			0	14	0
15	Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........			67,390,478	15	54,069,579
16	Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 34)...			1,035,629,330	16	956,430,705

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	136,895,886	17	58,715,392
18	Grants payable ...	0	18	0
19	Deferred revenue .........	48,580,416	19	42,610,517
20	Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........	0	20	0
21	Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D	0	21	0
22	Loans and other payables to current and former officers, directors, trustees, key employees, highest compensated employees, and disqualified
	persons. Complete Part II of Schedule L..	0	22	0
23	Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..	0	23	0
24	Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..	200,000,000	24	200,000,000
25	Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17-24). Complete Part X of Schedule D	650,153,028	25	655,104,796
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	1,035,629,330	26	956,430,705

	Organizations that follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 27 through 29, and lines 33 and 34.
27	Unrestricted net assets	0	27	0
28	Temporarily restricted net assets ...........	0	28	0
29	Permanently restricted net assets	0	29	0
	Organizations that do not follow SFAS 117 (ASC 958), check here and complete lines 30 through 34.
30	Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....		30
31	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...		31
32	Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds		32
33	Total net assets or fund balances ...........	0	33	0
34	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	1,035,629,330	34	956,430,705

Form 990 (2015)

Page 12

Part XI

Reconcilliation of Net Assets

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XI ..............

Total revenue (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12) ............

335,261,589

Total expenses (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25) ............

335,261,589

Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 2 from line 1 ..............

Net assets or fund balances at beginning of year (must equal Part X, line 33, column (A)) ..

Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ...............

Donated services and use of facilities .................

Investment expenses .....................

Prior period adjustments .....................

Other changes in net assets or fund balances (explain in Schedule O) ........

Net assets or fund balances at end of year. Combine lines 3 through 9 (must equal Part X, line 33, column (B))

Part XII

Financial Statements and Reporting

Check if Schedule O contains a response or note to any line in this Part XII .............

Yes

Accounting method used to prepare the Form 990: Cash Accrual Other
If the organization changed its method of accounting from a prior year or checked "Other," explain in
Schedule O.

Were the organization’s financial statements compiled or reviewed by an independent accountant?

If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were compiled or reviewed on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:

Separate basis Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis

Were the organization’s financial statements audited by an independent accountant?

Yes

If ‘Yes,’ check a box below to indicate whether the financial statements for the year were audited on a separate basis, consolidated basis, or both:

Separate basis Consolidated basis Both consolidated and separate basis

If "Yes," to line 2a or 2b, does the organization have a committee that assumes responsibility for oversight of the audit, review, or compilation of its financial statements and selection of an independent accountant?

Yes

If the organization changed either its oversight process or selection process during the tax year, explain in Schedule O.

As a result of a federal award, was the organization required to undergo an audit or audits as set forth in the Single Audit Act and OMB Circular A-133?

If "Yes," did the organization undergo the required audit or audits? If the organization did not undergo the required audit or audits, explain why in Schedule O and describe any steps taken to undergo such audits.

Form 990 (2015)

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

Form 990, Special Condition Description:

Special Condition Description

- TIN:

SCHEDULE C
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Political Campaign and Lobbying Activities

For Organizations Exempt From Income Tax Under section 501(c) and section 527
SchCMd Bullet

Complete if the organization is described below. SchCMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
SchCMd Bullet

Information about Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 3, or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 46 (Political Campaign Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and B. Do not complete Part I-C.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c) (other than section 501(c)(3)) organizations: Complete Parts I-A and C below. Do not complete Part I-B.
Round Bullet

Section 527 organizations: Complete Part I-A only.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 4, or Form 990-EZ, Part VI, line 47 (Lobbying Activities), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-A. Do not complete Part II-B.
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(3) organizations that have NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)): Complete Part II-B. Do not complete Part II-A.
If the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, Line 5 (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions) or Form 990-EZ, Part V, line 35c (Proxy Tax) (see separate instructions), then
Round Bullet

Section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) organizations: Complete Part III.

Name of the organization

Midcontinent Independent System
Operator Inc

Employer identification number

43-1827033

Part I-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c) or is a section 527 organization.

Provide a description of the organization’s direct and indirect political campaign activities in Part IV.

Political expenditures ...................................................................................................................... SchCMd Bullet

Volunteer hours .............................................................................................................................

Part I-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by the organization under section 4955 ................................ SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of any excise tax incurred by organization managers under section 4955 ....................... SchCMd Bullet

If the organization incurred a section 4955 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? .........................................

Yes No

Was a correction made? ......................................................................................................................

Yes No

If "Yes," describe in Part IV.

Part I-C

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c), except section 501(c)(3).

Enter the amount directly expended by the filing organization for section 527 exempt function activities ..... SchCMd Bullet

Enter the amount of the filing organization's funds contributed to other organizations for section 527 exempt function activities ............................................................................................................................ SchCMd Bullet

Total exempt function expenditures. Add lines 1 and 2. Enter here and on Form 1120-POL, line 17b........... SchCMd Bullet

Did the filing organization file Form 1120-POL for this year? ...................................................................

Yes No

Enter the names, addresses and employer identification number (EIN) of all section 527 political organizations to which the filing
organization made payments. For each organization listed, enter the amount paid from the filing organization’s funds. Also enter the amount of political contributions received that were promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization, such as a separate segregated fund or a political action committee (PAC). If additional space is needed, provide information in Part IV.

(a) Name	(b) Address	(c) EIN	(d) Amount paid from filing organization's funds. If none, enter -0-.	(e) Amount of political contributions received and promptly and directly delivered to a separate political organization. If none, enter -0-.
1
2
3
4
5
6

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 50084S

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 2

Part II-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

A Check SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization belongs to an affiliated group (and list in Part IV each affiliated group member's name, address, EIN, expenses, and share of excess lobbying expenditures).
B Check SchCMd Bullet

if the filing organization checked box A and "limited control" provisions apply.

Limits on Lobbying Expenditures (The term "expenditures" means amounts paid or incurred.)		(b) Affiliated group totals
1a	Total lobbying expenditures to influence public opinion (grass roots lobbying) ...............................................
b	Total lobbying expenditures to influence a legislative body (direct lobbying) ...........................................
c	Total lobbying expenditures (add lines 1a and 1b) .......................................................................
d	Other exempt purpose expenditures .........................................................................................
e	Total exempt purpose expenditures (add lines 1c and 1d) ....................................................................
f	Lobbying nontaxable amount. Enter the amount from the following table in both columns.
	If the amount on line 1e, column (a) or (b) is:The lobbying nontaxable amount is:
	Not over $500,00020% of the amount on line 1e.
	Over $500,000 but not over $1,000,000$100,000 plus 15% of the excess over $500,000.
	Over $1,000,000 but not over $1,500,000$175,000 plus 10% of the excess over $1,000,000.
	Over $1,500,000 but not over $17,000,000$225,000 plus 5% of the excess over $1,500,000.
	Over $17,000,000$1,000,000.

g	Grassroots nontaxable amount (enter 25% of line 1f) ..........................................................................
h	Subtract line 1g from line 1a. If zero or less, enter -0-. ..........................................................................
i	Subtract line 1f from line 1c. If zero or less, enter -0-. ...........................................................................
j	If there is an amount other than zero on either line 1h or line 1i, did the organization file Form 4720 reporting section 4911 tax for this year? ..............................................................................................................	Yes No

4-Year Averaging Period Under section 501(h) (Some organizations that made a section 501(h) election do not have to complete all of the five columns below. See the separate instructions for lines 2a through 2f.)
Lobbying Expenditures During 4-Year Averaging Period
	Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)	(a) 2012	(b) 2013	(c) 2014	(d) 2015	(e) Total

2a	Lobbying nontaxable amount

b	Lobbying ceiling amount (150% of line 2a, column(e))

c	Total lobbying expenditures

d	Grassroots nontaxable amount

e	Grassroots ceiling amount (150% of line 2d, column (e))

f	Grassroots lobbying expenditures

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

Page 3

Part II-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(3) and has NOT filed Form 5768 (election under section 501(h)).

For each "Yes" response on lines 1a through 1i below, provide in Part IV a detailed description of the lobbying activity.

(a)

Yes

(b)

Amount

During the year, did the filing organization attempt to influence foreign, national, state or local legislation, including any attempt to influence public opinion on a legislative matter or referendum, through the use of:

Volunteers? ...........................................................................................................

Paid staff or management (include compensation in expenses reported on lines 1c through 1i)? ........

Media advertisements? ...................................................................................................

Mailings to members, legislators, or the public? .............................................................................

Publications, or published or broadcast statements? ...........................................................

Grants to other organizations for lobbying purposes? ..........................................................

Direct contact with legislators, their staffs, government officials, or a legislative body? .......................

Rallies, demonstrations, seminars, conventions, speeches, lectures, or any similar means? ..................

Other activities? ...................................................................................................................

Total. Add lines 1c through 1i ....................................................................................................

Did the activities in line 1 cause the organization to be not described in section 501(c)(3)? .....

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred under section 4912 ...........................................

If "Yes," enter the amount of any tax incurred by organization managers under section 4912 ...................

If the filing organization incurred a section 4912 tax, did it file Form 4720 for this year? ........................

Part III-A

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6).

Yes

Were substantially all (90% or more) dues received nondeductible by members? ...............................................

Did the organization make only in-house lobbying expenditures of $2,000 or less? ............................................

Yes

Did the organization agree to carry over lobbying and political expenditures from the prior year? .................................

Part III-B

Complete if the organization is exempt under section 501(c)(4), section 501(c)(5), or section 501(c)(6) and if either (a) BOTH Part III-A, lines 1 and 2, are answered "No" OR (b) Part III-A, line 3, is answered “Yes."

Dues, assessments and similar amounts from members ......................................................................

Section 162(e) nondeductible lobbying and political expenditures (do not include amounts of political expenses for which the section 527(f) tax was paid).

Current year .............................................................................................................................

Carryover from last year ............................................................................................................

Total ...........................................................................................................................................

Aggregate amount reported in section 6033(e)(1)(A) notices of nondeductible section 162(e) dues .

If notices were sent and the amount on line 2c exceeds the amount on line 3, what portion of the excess does the organization agree to carryover to the reasonable estimate of nondeductible lobbying and political expenditure next year? ......................................................................................................................

Taxable amount of lobbying and political expenditures (see instructions) .........................................

Part IV

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part l-A, line 1; Part l-B, line 4; Part l-C, line 5; Part II-A (affiliated group list); Part II-A, lines 1 and 2 (see instructions), and Part ll-B, line 1. Also, complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation

Schedule C (Form 990 or 990EZ) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE D
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Financial Statements

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990,
Part IV, line 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f, 12a, or 12b.
SchDMd Bullet

Attach to Form 990.
Information about Schedule D (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

Midcontinent Independent System
Operator Inc

Employer identification number

43-1827033

Part I

Organizations Maintaining Donor Advised Funds or Other Similar Funds or Accounts. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 6.

			(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts

1	Total number at end of year ....
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ....

Did the organization inform all donors and donor advisors in writing that the assets held in donor advised
funds are the organization's property, subject to the organization's exclusive legal control? ...........

Yes No

Did the organization inform all grantees, donors, and donor advisors in writing that grant funds can be
used only for charitable purposes and not for the benefit of the donor or donor advisor, or for any other purpose conferring impermissible private benefit? ............................

Yes No

Part II

Conservation Easements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 7.

Purpose(s) of conservation easements held by the organization (check all that apply).

Preservation of land for public use (e.g., recreation or education) Preservation of an historically important land area

Protection of natural habitat Preservation of a certified historic structure

Preservation of open space

Complete lines 2a through 2d if the organization held a qualified conservation contribution in the form of a conservation easement on the last day of the tax year.


a	Total number of conservation easements ......................	2a
b	Total acreage restricted by conservation easements ....................	2b
c	Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) .....	2c
d	Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 8/17/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d

Number of conservation easements modified, transferred, released, extinguished, or terminated by the organization during the
tax year SchDMd Bullet

Number of states where property subject to conservation easement is located SchDMd Bullet

Does the organization have a written policy regarding the periodic monitoring, inspection, handling of violations, and enforcement of the conservation easements it holds? ............

Yes No

Staff and volunteer hours devoted to monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Amount of expenses incurred in monitoring, inspecting, handling of violations, and enforcing conservation easements during the year
SchDMd Bullet

Does each conservation easement reported on line 2(d) above satisfy the requirements of section 170(h)(4)(B)(i) and section 170(h)(4)(B)(ii)? .............................

Yes No

In Part XIII, describe how the organization reports conservation easements in its revenue and expense statement, and
balance sheet, and include, if applicable, the text of the footnote to the organization’s financial statements that describes
the organization’s accounting for conservation easements.

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets.
Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 8.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), not to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide, in Part XIII, the text of the footnote to its financial statements that describes these items.

If the organization elected, as permitted under SFAS 116 (ASC 958), to report in its revenue statement and balance sheet works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets held for public exhibition, education, or research in furtherance of public service, provide the following amounts relating to these items:

(i)

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 ......................... SchDMd Bullet

(ii)

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

If the organization received or held works of art, historical treasures, or other similar assets for financial gain, provide the
following amounts required to be reported under SFAS 116 (ASC 958) relating to these items:

Revenue included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1 .......................... SchDMd Bullet

Assets included in Form 990, Part X ............................... SchDMd Bullet

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 52283D

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part III

Organizations Maintaining Collections of Art, Historical Treasures, or Other Similar Assets (continued)

Using the organization’s acquisition, accession, and other records, check any of the following that are a significant use of its collection items (check all that apply):

Public exhibition

Loan or exchange programs

Scholarly research

Other

Preservation for future generations

Provide a description of the organization’s collections and explain how they further the organization’s exempt purpose in
Part XIII.

During the year, did the organization solicit or receive donations of art, historical treasures or other similar
assets to be sold to raise funds rather than to be maintained as part of the organization’s collection?...

Yes No

Part IV

Escrow and Custodial Arrangements. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 9, or reported an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21.

Is the organization an agent, trustee, custodian or other intermediary for contributions or other assets not
included on Form 990, Part X? ....................................

Yes No


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:		Amount
c	Beginning balance .............................	1c
d	Additions during the year ............................	1d
e	Distributions during the year ..........................	1e
f	Ending balance ................................	1f

Did the organization include an amount on Form 990, Part X, line 21, for escrow or custodial account liability?

Yes No

If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII. Check here if the explanation has been provided in Part XIII ........

Part V

Endowment Funds. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 10.

		(a)Current year	(b)Prior year	(c)Two years back	(d)Three years back	(e)Four years back

1a	Beginning of year balance ....
b	Contributions ...
c	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

Provide the estimated percentage of the current year end balance (line 1g, column (a)) held as:

Board designated or quasi-endowment SchDMd Bullet

Permanent endowment SchDMd Bullet

Temporarily restricted endowment SchDMd Bullet

The percentages on lines 2a, 2b, and 2c should equal 100%.

Are there endowment funds not in the possession of the organization that are held and administered for the
organization by:

Yes

(i) unrelated organizations .................

3a(i)

(ii) related organizations .................

3a(ii)

If "Yes" on 3a(ii), are the related organizations listed as required on Schedule R? .........

Describe in Part XIII the intended uses of the organization's endowment funds.

Part VI

Land, Buildings, and Equipment.
Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11a. See Form 990, Part X, line 10.

Description of property		(a) Cost or other basis (investment)	(b)Cost or other basis (other)	(c) Accumulated depreciation	(d) Book value

1a	Land ...	4,440,290		4,440,290
b	Buildings	77,181,208	21,869,649	55,311,559
c	Leasehold improvements	14,335,295	6,851,460	7,483,835
d	Equipment ...	66,409,193	50,973,937	15,435,256
e	Other ...	357,478,265	313,998,603	43,479,662
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..				126,150,602

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part VII

InvestmentsOther Securities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11b. See Form 990, Part X, line 12.

(a) Description of security or category (including name of security)	(b)Book value	(c)Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value
(1)Financial derivatives
(2)Closely-held equity interests
(3)Other
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

Part VIII

InvestmentsProgram Related. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11c. See Form 990, Part X, line 13.

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

Part IX

Other Assets. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11d. See Form 990, Part X, line 15.

(a) Description				(b) Book value
(1) DEFERRED REGULATORY ASSET				23,762,926
(2) CONSTRUCTION IN PROCESS				30,306,653
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 15.)...........				54,069,579

Part X

Other Liabilities. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 11e or 11f. See Form 990, Part X, line 25.

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes	0
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS - ST	618,650,232
MARKET PARTICIPANTS LIABILITY	29,497,132
OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASE	6,957,432
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)	655,104,796
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Page 4

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	332,140,589
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d	0
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	0
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	332,140,589
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ...........	4b	3,121,000
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c	3,121,000
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	335,261,589

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........			1	335,261,589
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d	0
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................			2e	0
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................			3	335,261,589
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b ..	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	4b	0
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................			4c	0
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......			5	335,261,589

Part XIII

Supplemental Information

Provide the descriptions required for Part II, lines 3, 5, and 9; Part III, lines 1a and 4; Part lV, lines 1b and 2b;
Part V, line 4; Part X, line 2; Part XI, lines 2d and 4b; and Part XII, lines 2d and 4b. Also complete this part to provide any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
SCHEDULE D, PART XI, LINE 4B	GAIN ON DEFERRED REGULATORY ASSET $3,121,000
SCHEDULE D, PART VI	Building accumulated depreciation reported in part VI, Line 1b includes land amortization of $884,088 which was approved by FERC.

Schedule D (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

Schedule J
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Compensation Information

For certain Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest
Compensated Employees
SchJMediumBullet

Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 23.
SchJMediumBullet

Attach to Form 990.
SchJMediumBullet

Information about Schedule J (Form 990) and its instructions is at www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public Inspection

Name of the organization

Midcontinent Independent System
Operator Inc

Employer identification number

43-1827033

Part I

Questions Regarding Compensation

Yes

Check the appropiate box(es) if the organization provided any of the following to or for a person listed on Form
990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a. Complete Part III to provide any relevant information regarding these items.

First-class or charter travel Housing allowance or residence for personal use

Travel for companions Payments for business use of personal residence

Tax idemnification and gross-up payments Health or social club dues or initiation fees

Discretionary spending account Personal services (e.g., maid, chauffeur, chef)

If any of the boxes in line 1a are checked, did the organization follow a written policy regarding payment or reimbursement or provision of all of the expenses described above? If "No," complete Part III to explain .........

Yes

Did the organization require substantiation prior to reimbursing or allowing expenses incurred by all
directors, trustees, officers, including the CEO/Executive Director, regarding the items checked in line 1a? ..

Yes

Indicate which, if any, of the following the filing organization used to establish the compensation of the
organization's CEO/Executive Director. Check all that apply. Do not check any boxes for methods
used by a related organization to establish compensation of the CEO/Executive Director, but explain in Part III.

Compensation committee Written employment contract

Independent compensation consultant Compensation survey or study

Form 990 of other organizations Approval by the board or compensation committee

During the year, did any person listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a with respect to the filing organization or a related organization:

Receive a severance payment or change-of-control payment? ................

Participate in, or receive payment from, a supplemental nonqualified retirement plan? .........

Yes

Participate in, or receive payment from, an equity-based compensation arrangement? .........

If "Yes" to any of lines 4a-c, list the persons and provide the applicable amounts for each item in Part III.

Only 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(29) organizations must complete lines 5-9.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the revenues of:

The organization? ...........................

Any related organization?

If "Yes," on line 5a or 5b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization pay or accrue any
compensation contingent on the net earnings of:

The organization?

Any related organization? .........................

If "Yes," on line 6a or 6b, describe in Part III.

For persons listed on Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, did the organization provide any non-fixed
payments not described in lines 5 and 6? If "Yes," describe in Part III ............

Yes

Were any amounts reported on Form 990, Part VII, paid or accured pursuant to a contract that was
subject to the initial contract exception described in Regulations section 53.4958-4(a)(3)? If "Yes," describe
in Part III .............................

If "Yes" on line 8, did the organization also follow the rebuttable presumption procedure described in Regulations section 53.4958-6(c)? .........................

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50053T

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 2

Part II

Officers, Directors, Trustees, Key Employees, and Highest Compensated Employees. Use duplicate copies if additional space is needed.

For each individual whose compensation must be reported on Schedule J, report compensation from the organization on row (i) and from related organizations, described in the
instructions, on row (ii). Do not list any individuals that are not listed on Form 990, Part VII.
Note. The sum of columns (B)(i)-(iii) for each listed individual must equal the total amount of Form 990, Part VII, Section A, line 1a, applicable column (D) and (E) amounts for that individual.

(A) Name and Title		(B) Breakdown of W-2 and/or 1099-MISC compensation			(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)	(F) Compensation in column(B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(A) Name and Title		(i) Base compensation	(ii) Bonus & incentive compensation	(iii) Other reportable compensation	(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)
1Greg PowellVP - HUMAN RESOURCES	(i) (ii)	256,071 ------------- 0	191,040 ------------- 0	49,955 ------------- 0	66,872 ------------- 0	28,817 ------------- 0	592,755 ------------- 0	29,479 ------------- 0
2Jennifer CurranVP System Planning & Seams Coo	(i) (ii)	244,662 ------------- 0	147,316 ------------- 0	15,027 ------------- 0	45,461 ------------- 0	26,053 ------------- 0	478,519 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
3Joseph GardnerVP Forward Markets and Ops	(i) (ii)	240,712 ------------- 0	153,034 ------------- 0	17,560 ------------- 0	65,625 ------------- 0	23,466 ------------- 0	500,397 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
4Todd HillmanVP - External Affairs	(i) (ii)	226,371 ------------- 0	148,738 ------------- 0	64,818 ------------- 0	22,735 ------------- 0	23,487 ------------- 0	486,149 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
5Todd RameyVP System Ops and Markets	(i) (ii)	250,012 ------------- 0	157,148 ------------- 0	16,756 ------------- 0	53,366 ------------- 0	26,034 ------------- 0	503,316 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
6Richard SchugVP Stragegy & Business Develop	(i) (ii)	225,233 ------------- 0	145,808 ------------- 0	9,141 ------------- 0	48,346 ------------- 0	27,768 ------------- 0	456,296 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
7Kurt W BilasExec Dir Gov't Relations	(i) (ii)	212,159 ------------- 0	99,968 ------------- 0	1,954 ------------- 0	19,203 ------------- 0	23,474 ------------- 0	356,758 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
8Lori SpenceDeputy General Counsel	(i) (ii)	219,581 ------------- 0	102,642 ------------- 0	1,096 ------------- 0	17,028 ------------- 0	25,004 ------------- 0	365,351 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
9J Michael EvansDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	139,875 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	154,875 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
10Michael CurranDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	146,375 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	161,375 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
11Judy WalshDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	146,250 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	161,250 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
12Baljit DailDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	137,250 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	152,250 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
13Shelley LongmuirDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	189,612 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	204,612 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
14Eugene ZeltmannDIRECTOR	(i) (ii)	140,375 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	15,000 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	155,375 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
15John BearPRESIDENT & CEO	(i) (ii)	709,872 ------------- 0	1,088,633 ------------- 0	252,624 ------------- 0	257,788 ------------- 0	19,123 ------------- 0	2,328,040 ------------- 0	227,806 ------------- 0
16Josephine BiggersVP of Finance	(i) (ii)	261,332 ------------- 0	209,870 ------------- 0	62,194 ------------- 0	63,863 ------------- 0	25,673 ------------- 0	622,932 ------------- 0	18,000 ------------- 0
17Eric Bruce StephensDeputy General Counsel	(i) (ii)	222,626 ------------- 0	102,348 ------------- 0	711 ------------- 0	16,574 ------------- 0	1,314 ------------- 0	343,573 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
18John Carl GoodeSr VP and CIO	(i) (ii)	302,945 ------------- 0	122,337 ------------- 0	15,756 ------------- 0	72,837 ------------- 0	18,271 ------------- 0	532,146 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
19David Charles BoydVP Gov & Regulatory Affair	(i) (ii)	201,252 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	9,011 ------------- 0	38,799 ------------- 0	29,996 ------------- 0	279,058 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
20Jeffrey Mark BladenExec Dir Market Service	(i) (ii)	220,411 ------------- 0	41,892 ------------- 0	28,578 ------------- 0	20,250 ------------- 0	28,890 ------------- 0	340,021 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
21Patrick Alan BrownExecutive Director of TAM	(i) (ii)	204,836 ------------- 0	68,368 ------------- 0	1,004 ------------- 0	12,413 ------------- 0	23,253 ------------- 0	309,874 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
22Richard DoyingExec VP Ops and Corp	(i) (ii)	372,022 ------------- 0	376,160 ------------- 0	62,158 ------------- 0	93,711 ------------- 0	20,653 ------------- 0	924,704 ------------- 0	44,625 ------------- 0
23Stephen KozeySR VP - Lgl & Compliance SVCS	(i) (ii)	362,681 ------------- 0	372,888 ------------- 0	96,593 ------------- 0	107,310 ------------- 0	30,402 ------------- 0	969,874 ------------- 0	72,824 ------------- 0
24Clair MoellerExec VP - Transmisson & Tech	(i) (ii)	363,189 ------------- 0	401,131 ------------- 0	115,550 ------------- 0	114,602 ------------- 0	11,255 ------------- 0	1,005,727 ------------- 0	97,182 ------------- 0
25William PhilipsVP - RELIABILITY & SECUR. REL.	(i) (ii)	135,413 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	25,726 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	161,139 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Page 3

Part III

Supplemental Information

Provide the information, explanation, or descriptions required for Part I, lines 1a, 1b, 3, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, and 8, and for Part II. Also complete this part for any additional information.

Return Reference	Explanation
SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 1	THE MIDCONTINENT INDEPENDENT SYSTEM OPERATOR, INC. PROVIDED CHARTER TRAVEL DURING 2015. THE COST-BENEFIT, AS WELL AS NON-QUANTITATIVE FACTORS WERE CONSIDERED FOR EACH CHARTER TRIP. All employees are able to receive charter travel, it is not included in taxable income as it is a business expense. TRAVEL FOR COMPANIONS WAS PROVIDED to officers FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES. It is not included in taxable income. TAXABLE DISCRETIONARY SPENDING ACCOUNTS WERE ALSO PROVIDED TO OFFICERS FOR HOME OFFICE ITEMS, LIFE INSURANCE, UNREIMBURSED MEDICAL EXPENSES AND OTHER ELIGIBLE EXPENSES. The accounts are included in taxable income. REIMBURSEMENT OF TAXABLE RELOCATION EXPENSES THAT ARE NOT DEDUCTIBLE OR EXCLUDABLE ARE GROSSED-UP FOR ALL OFFICERS. MANAGEMENT APPROVAL IS REQUIRED FOR ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES. All gross ups are included in taxable income. A RESIDENCE (APARTMENT) IN CARMEL IS AVAILABLE FOR OFFICERS THAT DO NOT LIVE IN CARMEL IN LIEU OF HOTEL AFTER A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS WAS DONE AND REVEALED IT WAS MORE COST EFFECTIVE. Housing is not included in taxable income as it is a business expense.
NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN	SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 4B THE ORGANIZATION HAS A DIRECTOR'S DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN THAT PERMITS NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS TO RECEIVE A PORTION OF THEIR FEES AND RETAINERS AS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN A FORM OTHER THAN DIRECT PAYMENTS. SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN SECTION 457(F) SCHEDULE J, PART I, LINE 4B There were no payouts from the plan in 2015. THE AMOUNT OF EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS CREDITED TO A PARTICIPANT'S SERP ACCOUNT FOR A GIVEN PLAN YEAR SHALL BE EQUAL TO THE FOLLOWING AMOUNTS REDUCED BY THE SUM OF: (1) FIXED PERCENTAGE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UNDER THE MIDCONTINENT ISO EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN EQUAL TO 6% OF AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT'S COMPENSATION AS DEFINED UNDER THE MIDCONTINENT ISO EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLAN, AND (2) THE EMPLOYER'S OASDI CONTRIBUTION APPLICABLE TO THE PARTICIPANT'S PLAN YEAR COMPENSATION: A. 14% OF PLAN YEAR COMPENSATION PAID FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS UNDER AGE FORTY-FIVE (45); B. 16% OF PLAN YEAR COMPENSATION PAID FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS AGE FORTY-FIVE (45) TO AGE FIFTY-FOUR (54); AND C. 19% OF PLAN YEAR COMPENSATION PAID FOR THOSE PARTICIPANTS AGE FIFTY-FIVE (55) AND OLDER. D. The contribution for CEO compensation shall be 20%, regardless of age restrictions. FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING THE EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION, THE PARTICIPANT'S PLAN YEAR COMPENSATION SHALL BE PRORATED FOR A PARTIAL PLAN YEAR OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION. A PARTICIPANT'S AGE FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING SUCH EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS SHALL BE DETERMINED AS OF THE END OF THE PLAN YEAR FOR WHICH THE CONTRIBUTIONS ARE MADE. THE EMPLOYER MAY, AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION, MAKE ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR ANY ONE PARTICIPANT OR ALL PARTICIPANTS.
Schedule J, Part I, Line 7	Every regular full time employee has the opportunity to earn an Incentive Award based on the achievement of corporate goals. When eligibility is established, a target payout for LTI performance is established for the employee. This target may depend on a number of factors including the employees role in the organization, the employees impact on achieving the long term goals, or market factors. These targets may be adjusted for individual employees at the discretion of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer for Non-Officer Plan participants.

Schedule J (Form 990) 2015

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

- TIN:

SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
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Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
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Information about Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) and its instructions is at
www.irs.gov/form990.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2015

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

Midcontinent Independent System
Operator Inc

Employer identification number

43-1827033

Return Reference	Explanation
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION	DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES OF MEMBERS OR STOCKHOLDERS FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 6 A MEMBER CAN BE A REPRESENTATIVE OF ONE ENTITY OR MAY BE A SINGLE MEMBERSHIP REPRESENTING SEVERAL ENTITIES THAT SHARE A MEMBERSHIP AND HOLD A SINGLE VOTE. APPLICANTS MAY JOIN ONE OF TEN SECTORS: TRANSMISSION OWNER; INDEPENDENT POWER PRODUCERS AND EXEMPT WHOLESALE GENERATORS; POWERMARKETERS AND BROKERS; MUNICIPALS, COOPERATIVES, AND TRANSMISSION DEPENDENT UTILITIES; PUBLIC CONSUMER ADVOCATES; STATE REGULATORY AUTHORITIES; ENVIRONMENTAL/OTHER ADVOCATES; ELIGIBLE END USE CUSTOMERS; COMPETITIVE TRANSMISSION DEVELOPERS; OR COORDINATING MEMBERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 7A	ARTICLE TWO, SECTION V(B)(5) OF THE TRANSMISSION OWNERS AGREEMENT SETS OUT THE VOTING RIGHTS OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE MIDCONTINENT ISO. MEMBERS ARE DEFINED IN THE TRANSMISSION OWNERS AGREEMENT AS A PERSON OR BUSINESS ENTITY WHICH IS (I) AN ELIGIBLE CUSTOMER, AS DEFINED IN THE TARIFF, OR (II) AN OWNER, AS DEFINED HEREIN, AND WHICH PAYS TO THE MIDCONTINENT ISO, THE NON-REFUNDABLE MEMBERSHIP FEES AS REQUIRED HEREIN.
FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 11B	THE INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE, PRESIDENT & CEO, AND LEGAL DEPARTMENT COMPLETE THE INITIAL REVIEW. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IS THEN PRESENTED WITH COPIES AND ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS AND PROVIDE COMMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE TEAM BEFORE THE RETURN IS FILED WITH THE IRS.
FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 12C	THIS POLICY IS IN THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK. THE HANDBOOK IS REVIEWED AT NEW HIRE ORIENTATION. ALL NEW HIRES SIGN AN EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK RECEIPT THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE HANDBOOK. THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK IS ALSO PART OF THE EMPLOYEE ANNUAL RECERTIFICATION. EACH EMPLOYEE MUST CERTIFY THAT HE/SHE HAS REVIEWED AND AGREES TO COMPLY WITH MIDCONTINENT ISO POLICIES. IN ADDITION, EACH EMPLOYEE, OFFICER, AND DIRECTOR ANNUALLY RECERTIFIES THAT THEY ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK AND ITS CONFLICTS OF INTEREST PROVISIONS. EACH YEAR, MISO COMPLETES THE RECERTIFICATION PROCESS WITH A SHORT TEST TO ASSURE EMPLOYEES HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE CONTENT OF THE RECERTIFICATION.
FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 15A AND 15B	THE BOARD RETAINS THE SERVICE OF EXPERT OUTSIDE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION CONSULTANTS ('THE CONSULTANTS') IN THE REVIEW OF OFFICER COMPENSATION. ANNUALLY, THE CONSULTANTS PERFORM A FULL AND INDEPENDENT STUDY OF ALL OFFICER DIRECT COMPENSATION (BASE PLUS INCENTIVES). THE CONSULTANTS CONSIDER THE LEVEL OF COMPENSATION RELATIVE TO THE DUTIES PERFORMED; THE CURRENT COMPETITIVE MARKET FOR SIMILAR SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND RESPONSIBILITY; AND OTHER STRATEGIC NEEDS IDENTIFIED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THE CONSULTANTS PREPARE AND DELIVER A FULL DETAILED REPORT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD ('HRC') FOR EACH OFFICER POSITION. THIS REPORT INCLUDES RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DIRECT COMPENSATION CHANGES. THE HRC COMBINES THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTANTS WITH EVALUATIONS OF OFFICER PERFORMANCE TO RECOMMEND APPROPRIATE COMPENSATION LEVELS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR APPROVAL. ANNUALLY THE CONSULTANT PREPARES A LETTER OF 'REASONABLENESS' OF THE TOTAL REMUNERATION PACKAGE FOR OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY. THIS LETTER IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GUIDELINES OF SECTION 4958 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THIS LETTER CERTIFIES THAT IN THE 'REASONED OPINION' OF THE CONSULTANT AS AN 'INDEPENDENT EVALUATION EXPERT' THE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS PROVIDED TO THE OFFICERS REPRESENT 'REASONABLE COMPENSATION.'THE HRC REVIEWS ALL METRICS, RESULTS, AND ACTUAL INCENTIVES FROM MIDCONTINENT ISO ANNUAL AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS. NO INCENTIVES ARE PAID UNTIL RECOMMENDED BY THE HRC AND APPROVED BY THE BOARD. THE HRC REVIEWS AND RECOMMENDS ANY NEW OR MODIFIED EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS WITH THE PRESIDENT, CEO AND OFFICERS, INCLUDING RETENTION AGREEMENTS WHICH THEN MUST BE APPROVED BY THE BOARD.FROM TIME TO TIME, THE HRC WILL RETAIN THE SERVICES OF OUTSIDE EXPERTS TO EVALUATE AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEVEL AND TYPE OF SPECIFIC COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT ITEMS. THE HRC ROUTINELY REPORTS TO AND, IF REQUIRED, OBTAINS APPROVAL FROM THE FULL BOARD ON THESE MATTERS.
FORM 990, PART VI, QUESTION 19	THE MIDCONTINENT ISO'S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE UNDER 'LIBRARY' TAB. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE THE TARIFF AND THE TRANSMISSION OWNERS AGREEMENT WHICH INCLUDES THE COMPANY'S STANDARDS OF CONDUCT(APPENDIX A) AND THE COMPANY'S BYLAWS (APPENDIX F). THESE DOCUMENTS ARE ALSO FILED WITH AND AVAILABLE ON THE FERC'S WEBSITE AT WWW.FERC.GOV IN THE LIBRARY. THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE MIDCONTINENT ISO ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT WHICH IS ALSO LOCATED ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.MISOENERGY.ORG.
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:OUTSIDE SERVICES TOTAL FEES:24001474
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:INDEPENDENT MARKET MONITOR TOTAL FEES:5199794
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:ENGINEERING STUDIES TOTAL FEES:2852000
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:TEMPORARY HELP TOTAL FEES:1704884
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:PAYROLL SERVICE TOTAL FEES:206371
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:ERSC EXPENSE TOTAL FEES:138959
FORM 990 PART IX LINE 11G	DESCRIPTION:OTHER EXPENSE TOTAL FEES:75000

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2015

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