In response to volatility in fuel markets and concerns over generating capacity, in the 1980s many states began requiring utilities to undertake Integrated Resource Planning (IRP). Utilities were directed to examine both energy demand and supply and identify any risks that could prevent them from meeting their customers' long-term energy needs at reasonable costs.

Typically, an IRP requires a utility to conduct load forecasting as well as demand-side, supply-side, integration and risk analyses. An IRP is a planning tool; it is neither a metric nor a measure to achieve particular goals.

States across the Midwest require utilities to undertake an IRP process or similar planning process periodically or when requesting resource additions, such as when seeking a certificate of necessity for new generation.

Among the thirteen states in the MEEA region, most require traditional integrated resource planning. A few require a planning process that is not an IRP, but often do incorporate demand-side resources. The approaches to integrated resource planning vary in some very significant ways, including who must file, how often the plan must be filed, the planning range, what is to be included and the detail in the plans. Integrated resource planning requirements are found in states both with an Energy Efficiency Resource Standard (EERS) and without.

The table below summarizes planning horizons and frequencies in the Midwest. Clicking the state will go to details on the policies that guide utility resource planning.

State	Planning Process Identified	Planning Horizon	Planning Frequency
Illinois		5 years	Annually
Indiana		20 years	Every 2 years
Iowa		20 years	Every 5 years
Kansas		As approved	As approved
Kentucky		15 years	Every 3 years
Michigan		Multiple horizons	Every 5 years
Minnesota		15 years	Every 2 years
Missouri		20 years	Every 3 years
Nebraska		20 years	Every 3 years
North Dakota		15 years	Every 3 years
Ohio		10 years	Annually
South Dakota		10 years	Every 2 years
Wisconsin		Multiple horizons	Multiple processes