The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has conditionally approved the Southwest Power Pool’s (SPP) Markets+ Western power market, a real-time and day-ahead market expected to begin operation in 2027.
This option will be available throughout the West and will enhance grid reliability, optimize resource sharing, and reduce costs for consumers.
FERC’s approval is a great step toward more market development in the West. Agreements will still need to be made to decide how seams between centrally cleared markets—like California Independent System Operator’s Extended Day-Ahead Market (set to be operational in 2026) and Markets+—and other areas will be handled.
This is an important step toward breaking down silos in the energy sector. As we face growing challenges like increasing electricity demand, regional cooperation is essential.
