Western RTO

The Denver Post reports on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s approval of Xcel Energy’s plan to join SPP’s Markets+, despite concerns from consumer and environmental advocates. United’s Brian Turner criticized the decision and warned that it could delay progress toward a fully organized wholesale market, undermine Colorado’s clean energy goals, and urged the state to look into joining other markets in the region that offer greater renewable energy access and long-term cost savings.

The Colorado Sun reports on the Colorado Public Utilities Commission’s approval of Xcel Energy’s $30 million plan to join SPP’s Markets+. United’s Brian Turner said the decision will balkanize the Western grid, increase energy costs, and delay progress in clean energy development.

E&E News discusses the potential consequences of a bifurcated regional grid between the West’s two electricity market options—California’s Extended Day-Ahead Market and the Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+. United’s Brian Turner warned that dividing the region between two systems could limit efficiencies, increase electricity costs, and reduce emissions benefits.

Colorado has a chance to lead the West in building a cleaner, more affordable energy future—but only if it joins a Western regional market. Advanced Energy United’s Brian Turner explains how stronger grid connections and smart market choices will allow Colorado to share its renewable resources, lower emissions, and meet its climate goals.

The California Senate passed Senate Bill 540 today in a bipartisan vote. SB 540 now heads to the Assembly, continuing the momentum for greater collaboration across the West

The Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 540, advancing legislation that continues to balance diverse stakeholder priorities while creating a pathway to reliable and affordable clean energy.

The Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 540, marking a key step forward in lowering costs for ratepayers, keeping the lights on, and accelerating the state’s transition to clean energy.

Clean energy advocates show support of the Pathways Initiative at the California Senate Energy Utilities and Communications Committee

E&E News reports that Bonneville Power Administration has issued a draft decision to join Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+. This move could cement a bifurcated electricity market in the West. United’s Brian Turner expressed concerns that a split market would create inefficiencies, increase costs, and limit the ability to share clean energy resources across the region. Studies indicate that a split market will result in seams that will create economic and operation friction.

A regional electricity market is among the most powerful tools in the toolbox for lowering electricity costs, improving reliability and resiliency to extreme weather events, and integrating Colorado’s abundant renewable resources into a 100% clean grid.

Today, Senate Chair of Energy, Utilities and Communication Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) and Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) introduced SB 540, legislation aimed at optimizing California’s energy markets, increasing grid reliability, reducing costs for ratepayers, and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future.

New study shows that a larger and more diverse day-ahead market will provide greater economic benefits for Californians