Press Releases
Tim Vigil named director of SPP Market Monitoring Unit for Markets+
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Southwest Power Pool (SPP) named Tim Vigil the director of the Market Monitoring Unit’s (MMU) branch focusing on Markets+, SPP’s western day-ahead and real-time market. This is a new position within the MMU created in preparation for SPP’s launch of its western market in 2027.
Read MoreMarkets+ phase two governance begins with key Western commitments
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Southwest Power Pool, Inc. (SPP)’s Markets+, its Western day-ahead market, marked a significant milestone this week when it officially launched phase two governance. The Markets+ Participant Executive Committee (MPEC) met Aug. 12 to approve phase two working group and task force rosters, establishing the governance structure that will guide Markets+ through implementation.
Read MoreMarkets+ phase two development begins with secured financing
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – Markets+, SPP’s western day-ahead and real-time market, reached a major milestone this week as it entered the second phase of development, backed by secured financing to cover the $150 million needed for full market implementation.
Read MoreMarkets+ funding agreement and funding mechanism receive FERC approval
Markets+ is SPP’s in-development day-ahead and real-time market that will serve entities in the Western Interconnection. Market development reached a significant milestone today when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved both the Markets+ Phase Two Funding Agreement and the mechanism for funding the market’s development. On April 18, FERC also accepted SPP’s clarifying edits to its Markets+ Tariff, which it unanimously approved earlier this year on January 16.
Read MoreMarkets+ phase two development confirmed with western market commitments
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Weeks after receiving the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval of the Markets+ Tariff, Southwest Power Pool (SPP) announced Feb. 14 it has received commitments sufficient to support the financing necessary for the next phase of development. Commitments from Arizona Public Service, Bonneville Power Administration, Chelan County PUD, Grant County PUD, Powerex, Salt River Project, Tacoma Power and Tucson Electric Power will support the build out of market systems beginning in Q2 2025 in anticipation of the market's launch.
Read MoreSPP’s Markets+ tariff receives FERC approval
SPP’s proposed Markets+ service reached a significant milestone Jan. 16 when it received approval of its tariff by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Markets+ is the regional, day-ahead energy market developed in collaboration between SPP and more than 30 western entities, anticipated to launch in 2027. This milestone achievement allows participants to begin phase two of Markets+ development following the execution of phase-two funding commitments.
Read MoreFERC requests additional information regarding Markets+ tariff filing; SPP coordinating response
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Southwest Power Pool (SPP) received a letter from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on July 31 requesting additional information regarding the grid operator’s March 29 Markets+ tariff filing. SPP has already begun work considering these requests and is preparing responses that SPP leaders are confident will adequately demonstrate readiness to build and launch a regional, day-ahead market that effectively and equitably serves customers across the Western Interconnection.
Read MoreSPP files expanded regional transmission organization tariff to include western entities
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Southwest Power Pool (SPP) reached a significant milestone June 4, when it filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) amendments to its tariff that include provisions specific to its western members. Pending FERC’s approval, SPP will become the first organization in the U.S. to provide full regional transmission organization (RTO) services in both the Eastern and Western Interconnections of the nation’s power grid beginning in early 2026.
Read MoreWestern utilities express support for continued Markets+ development
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Southwest Power Pool (SPP) received a letter Friday, April 12 from 26 western entities indicating their support for continued development of Markets+. The letter is signed by organizations from the Pacific Northwest, Desert Southwest and Mountain West regions, which together represent approximately 57 GW of peak demand across ten states and one province in the Western Interconnection. The group highlights preferred aspects of the proposed market’s unique design and governance structure.
Read MoreSouthwest Power Pool Completes and Files Markets+ Tariff with Collaboration and Support from Western Stakeholders
LITTLE ROCK, ARK. — Southwest Power Pool (SPP) reached a significant milestone in the development of its western day-ahead electricity market on Friday, March 29 when it filed its Markets+ tariff with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The achievement underscores SPP’s leadership in market development and dedication to fostering fair and equitable partnerships that prioritize the interests of all parties involved.
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