Bipartisan Policy Center Examines Future of U.S. Regional Energy Markets Amid Rising Demand
The Bipartisan Policy Center's Future of Organized Regional Markets (FORM) project is investigating the evolving role of regional grid organizations, specifically Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs) and Independent System Operators (ISOs), in the United States. These organizations, established approximately 25 years ago, serve over 220 million Americans and are critical in determining electricity generation methods, transmission projects, grid reliability, and consumer costs. The project highlights that after decades of stable or low demand growth, electricity demand is now increasing significantly, posing urgent questions about power costs, reliability, and grid investment. The FORM project aims to address key issues such as effective RTO governance, coordination among states, utilities, and market participants, and resource adequacy responsibilities to enhance clarity and accountability in policy choices and their cost implications.
