New market approval continues forward momentum for RTO development in the West

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, national business association Advanced Energy United applauded the commitment of Portland General Electric and Idaho Power to join the California Independent System Operator’s (CAISO) extended day-ahead market (EDAM), an electricity market poised to deliver enhanced reliability, economic, and environmental benefits to utilities and communities through the West when it begins in 2026.

“With more utilities committed to joining EDAM, we applaud the continued progress in Western collaboration and dedication to creating the broadest possible regional electricity market in the West,” said Leah Rubin Shen, Managing Director at Advanced Energy United.

EDAM builds on the proven success of CAISO’s Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) by adding day-ahead scheduling to real-time power sharing. Since 2014, the WEIM has delivered more affordable and reliable electricity to customers across the West more efficiently. As of January, the WEIM has delivered more than $5 billion in gross benefits, and EDAM is expected to grow those benefits to as much as $1.2 billion per year. 

“Given this momentum, we are also heartened by the progress being made by the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative, working toward our shared goal to move the entire West, including California, to join a single regional electricity market,” added Rubin Shen.

Click here to learn more about our work advocating for a West-wide RTO and learn more about the West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative by clicking here.