Regional Energy Market in the West
Leaders in conservative and liberal states have long discussed the benefits of a region-wide market, which would pool resources such as solar power in Arizona, wind in Wyoming, hydro in Washington, and battery storage in California.
The shared resources would meet the demands of 11 different states, bolstering utilities’ local power plants with surplus energy from across the region.
Proponents say the market has the potential to lower energy costs, make the grid more resilient, and speed up the deployment of clean energy.
The market’s success depends heavily on which states and utilities decide to opt in.
With the passage of a new law in California, the regional energy market is on its way to becoming a reality, but its success relies on the participation of various states and utilities.
Author's summary: Western states may create a regional energy market.