R Street Institute

Policy Studies Energy and Environment

Efficient Solutions for Issues in Electricity Seams

by Travis Kavulla
April 30, 2019
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Key Points

The electricity markets of the United States operate in silos, even though many of them are physically interconnected and trade a commodity that moves at the speed of light. Electricity markets need to seek out ways to facilitate trade between them, across what experts call their “seams.”
There are “software” solutions that can make our grid more efficient, even before we spend money on additional “hardware,” like new transmission lines.
When we do need more “hardware,” we should consider innovative business models to pay for its construction, and the FERC is currently paving the way to do that.

ISOs have conferred significant advantages in terms of the efficiency of the American power sector. Yet by becoming free-trade zones unto themselves, they in some ways make it difficult for those outside the ISO to trade into it.

Press release: R Street Policy Study No. 172: Efficient Solutions for Issues in Electricity Seams

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