The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), an Arkansas-based grid operator, has submitted a proposal to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) regarding a plan to expand westward under its Markets+ program that aims to lower costs for the region and provide more reliability as utilities struggle with extreme weather. The expanded market could also increase the flow of renewable energy through the West and lower grid costs for participants. However, the outlook for the plan remains uncertain due to a competing proposal that includes California’s main grid operator. SPP’s plan would create a day-ahead market for utilities to trade resources in advance, but it does not yet create a full regional transmission organization to oversee the power system.

Solar Dominates US Energy Capacity Growth
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has published data showing that solar accounted for over 75% of US electrical generating







