Tuesday, August 9, 2016

California: Plans for Expanded Western Imbalance Market Put On Hold

California Gov. Brown puts CAISO expansion on hold (Utility Dive)

California Gov. Jerry Brown has hit pause on his state's attempt to integrate PacifiCorp's operations into its markets and then possibly expand further, informing the governors of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington that plans for a regional market is on hold for now, the Los Angeles Times reports.
It is not necessarily a lengthy delay however; Brown said in a letter to the other governors that he anticipates having a proposal for them to consider by January.

While there are benefits to a regional market, many have worried it could set California back from progress made on greenhouse gas emissions, and the state would also lose the total control over its markets it currently enjoys.

There will be a GRC Fieldtrip to the headquarters of CAISO from the GRC Annual Meeting & GEA Geothermal Energy Expo, October 23-26, Sacramento, California.