The West’s Power Grid: A Regional Energy Market
Western leaders have long discussed creating a regional energy market, combining resources from 11 states to meet energy demands.
A coordinated grid would pool solar power from Arizona, wind from Wyoming, hydro from Washington, and battery storage from California, bolstering local power plants with surplus energy from across the region.
- Lower energy costs
- Make the grid more resilient
- Speed up the deployment of clean energy
Experts agree that the market's success depends on which states and utilities opt in, despite some skeptics worrying about merging power systems with varying climate goals.
Proponents say it has the potential to lower energy costs, make the grid more resilient and speed up the deployment of clean energy.
A new law in California has paved the way for this market to become a reality, but its success relies on participation from conservative and liberal states alike.
Author's summary: Western states consider a regional energy market.