Volts California warms up to a larger Western energy market
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Dec 10, 2025 
Join Brian Turner, a regulatory expert in Western energy governance, and Kathleen Staks, a leader advocating for a larger Western grid. They discuss the newly authorized Regional Organization for Western Energy, which aims to unify the western U.S. grid while respecting state independence. Topics include the transition to a full day-ahead market, the voluntary 'à la carte' structure of the new grid, and strategies to accommodate diverse state energy policies. Their insights reveal the complexities and potential impact of this significant energy reform.
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Let Utilities Opt Into Services
- Offer services a la carte and let utilities opt in gradually to build trust and demonstrate benefits.
- Design the ROW to provide voluntary functions and scale services only when economic.
Voluntary Entry With No Exit Fees
- Participation is voluntary and exit must be allowed without penalties, though technical sunk costs exist.
- California's legislation guarantees no exit fees to reduce lock-in fears.
Board Selection And Timeline
- ROW will be a Delaware 501(c)(3) with an initial board selected by a nominating committee representing nine stakeholder sectors.
- The launch committee aims to seat the initial board by July 2026 and then hire executive staff.