An RTO for the West: What Is in it for Consumers?

Featuring

[Moderator] Naureen Malik, Energy Reporter, Bloomberg

Michele Beck, Director, Utah Office of Consumer Services

Todd Myers, Vice President for Research, Washington Policy Center

Josh Smith, Energy Policy Lead, Abundance Institute

Michael Giberson, Senior Fellow, Energy Policy, R Street Institute

Overview

The R Street Institute invites you to a timely policy discussion addressing the potential formation of a regional transmission organization (RTO) in the western United States and its implications for consumers. Our panel of experts will examine how an RTO could transform the West’s electric power grid and lead to significant economic and reliability benefits for consumers. Join us virtually as we discuss the path forward for western electricity markets and consumer-focused energy policy.

Key Topics

• RTO basics: What is an RTO, how does it work, and why is it being considered in the West?
• Consumer benefits: How secure are promised consumer benefits, and how can an RTO protect consumer interests?
• State autonomy: How can states maintain their energy policy authority while participating in a regional market?
• Special interests: How can rent-seeking be avoided as utilities, environmental groups, and other interests engage deeply in the RTO development process?
• Growing electricity demands: Are competitive wholesale markets through RTOs better equipped than regulated monopolies to meet increasing electricity needs?

Additional reading: “An RTO for the West: Opportunities and Options”