Launch Committee releases a DRAFT proposal with wide-ranging recommendations, seeks continued stakeholder input for new Regional Organization, all aligning with goals to benefit customers across the Western U.S.

September 26, 2024

Today marks another significant step forward for western electricity market development as the Westwide Governance Pathways Initiative (Pathways Initiative) releases a set of recommendations to achieve the goals set forth in the original state utility regulator letter published July of 2023. The Pathways Step 2 Recommendation Draft Proposal contains the framework for the independent governance structure of a new nonprofit Regional Organization (RO) that would assume control of the Energy Imbalance Market and Extended Day-Ahead Market. This would enable expanded market services and maximize benefits for western electricity customers. This builds on the momentum from the Pathways Step 1 Proposal that was unanimously approved by the Western Energy Markets (WEM) Governing Body and the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) Board of Governors on August 13. 

With a diverse group of stakeholders representing interests that have not historically worked together on these issues, the Pathways Initiative employs a unique approach to problem solving that allows for new and creative ideas. As a result, the Pathways Initiative has been able to make progress towards an independent, voluntary market structure such as the West has been working towards for decades. The resulting draft proposal creates a viable path and momentum for the largest market footprint with the largest benefits for western customers. 

The Launch Committee will host a Stakeholder Meeting on October 4 to present the Pathways Step 2 Recommendation Draft proposal and take public questions and comments. 

Written stakeholder comments on the Pathways Step 2 Recommendation Draft proposal are due October 25.

The Launch Committee expects to release a final recommendation, after consideration and incorporation of stakeholder comments, the week of November 15.

Additional information and opportunities for additional stakeholder input can be found here: https://www.westernenergyboard.org/wwgpi/

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The West-Wide Governance Pathways Initiative (WWGPI) was initiated through a letter from multiple individual Western state commissioners to the leadership of WIEB and CREPC in July 2023. In October 2023, following comments from stakeholders, the WWGPI Launch Committee was formed “to develop and form a new and independent entity...”.

The Launch Committee is comprised of 36 stakeholders and alternates representing 12 different sectors from all 11 states in the Western Interconnection. A complete list of the launch committee members and alternates is available here. Launch Committee Co-Chairs are Kathleen Staks (Western Freedom) and Pamela Sporborg (Portland General).

For all media inquiries, please contact pathways@westwidepathwaysinitiative.org.