RTO Insider™

The dramatic results of the midterm election will have far-reaching effects on state and federal energy policy. ow.ly/lQcx5103HXF

In today’s Stakeholder Forum, Disaster Avoidance Experts’ Gleb Tsipursky says that as AI agents gain the ability to perform tasks autonomously, their potential use in electricity markets raises cybersecurity and accountability concerns. Tsipursky believes grid operators and market participants need stricter access controls, auditable records and enforceable standards to prevent unauthorized AI actions from disrupting operations. ow.ly/Y2HI5103Ahy

The dramatic results of the midterm election will have far-reaching effects on state and federal energy policy. ow.ly/lQcx5103HXF

Unseasonably hot October weather and elevated generation outages pushed wholesale electricity prices above $1,000/MWh in MISO and PJM, exposing supply constraints during the traditionally quieter shoulder season. Yes Energy’s Alex Bennitt examines how aging fleets, limited capacity additions and rising demand are increasing the risk of scarcity pricing outside peak summer and winter seasons. ow.ly/aCUj5103Ahn

Data center developers at Infocast’s PowerUp Data Centers conference talked about their “Catch 22”: wanting near-constant power while also bringing facilities online as quickly as possible. Panelists also discussed how parties are turning to temporary on-site generation to bypass lengthy interconnection queues, even as they can be less efficient and require more maintenance. Michael Brooks was in the room in Tyson Corner, Va. ow.ly/h1Hy5103Ah8

The dramatic results of the midterm election will have far-reaching effects on state and federal energy policy. ow.ly/5Niz5103HHC

And in the first of a three-part series, EPRI CEO Arshad Mansoor took to our Stakeholder Forum to explain his prior use of the idea that the “grid is only about 50% utilized.” Mansoor says that can be misleading, as much of that unused capacity is reserved to maintain reliability during peak demand and equipment failures. He says better metrics that would distinguish available capacity from reserves could help operators identify flexible loads and other technologies that can accommodate demand growth without compromising reliability. ow.ly/AXBR5103ce3

Two independent analyses, by Grid Strategies and the Rhodium Group, claim the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act would benefit ratepayers, with certain provisions helping in different ways. Grid Strategies suggested the use of “and” pricing for data centers would reduce customer transmission costs while adding needed capacity, while Rhodium said lower-cost resources and reducing emissions could eventually reduce household electricity bills by $50 to $78 per year ow.ly/uPhS5103ccM

The NYISO Management Committee approved large load tariff revisions meant to respond to FERC’s show-cause order, passing with a 100% approval despite sectors abstaining from the vote. A State Exempt Large Load exemption has been added for certain projects to leave the state room to add future rules as it sees fit. It would also evaluate certain loads and their reliability impacts differently. ow.ly/zAmp5103ccl

Xcel Energy CEO Bob Frenzel announced that the company has updated its five-year capital spending plan to $70 billion as it meets an “extraordinary moment” in the nation’s grid buildout and modernization. Frenzel added that Xcel will fund 12.5 GW of new generation and spend $7 billion to serve contracted data centers. See what else was discussed on the company’s third-quarter earnings call. ow.ly/yzmu51034QN

Speaking at the Organization of MISO States’ annual meeting, Ameren Missouri President Aaron Melda urged MISO utilities and regulators to approach unprecedented load growth responsibly as his company prepares to add 2.8 GW of large loads by 2030. Speakers also emphasized the need for community engagement, stronger data center requirements and a greater use of distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies when it comes to maintaining reliability and protecting customers. Amanda Durish Cook was in the room in St. Louis. ow.ly/pewB51034NX

Michael Brooks was in the room for several conferences these past few weeks, including the Nodal Trader Conference in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 22. There, AI’s effect on demand was a major topic of discussion. While grid operators are trying to grasp the amount of future demand from data centers, AI’s varying roles in the facilities can cause rapid fluctuations that create yet another level of uncertainty. Panelists also questioned the reliability of the long-term load forecasts. ow.ly/ahOm51034MJ

Host | Southeast Renewable Energy What to expect? Meet the Policy Makers, Utilities and Renewable Players Working to Seize the Opportunities and Meet the Challenges of Burgeoning Southeastern Load Growth Registration | ow.ly/6c0F50ZqSQ8

Host | DTECH What to expect? DTECH® delivers the insights and connections that move the industry forward. Whether you're focused on resiliency, reliability, sustainability, or grid modernization, DTECH® events offer unmatched value, collaboration, and opportunities to spark real transformation—today and tomorrow. Join us and be part of the momentum shaping the future of transmission and distribution. Registration | ow.ly/oVqj50ZWT32

Host | New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) What to expect? This annual event brings together over 200 senior executives, policymakers, and innovators from across the U.S. and Canada to address the most pressing issues of our energy system including grid reliability, clean energy integration, affordability, and cross-border collaboration. Registration | ow.ly/gY4V50ZYsFL

Host | Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) What to expect? The Summit brings government, industry, NGOs, academic, and media stakeholders together to address top issues facing the supply of electric power and to consider the economic and environmental benefits competitive power has brought to the nation and how markets and policy must evolve to meet future demand. Registration | ow.ly/IXpr50ZYzXU

Host | Southeast Renewable Energy What to expect? Meet the Policy Makers, Utilities and Renewable Players Working to Seize the Opportunities and Meet the Challenges of Burgeoning Southeastern Load Growth Registration | ow.ly/6c0F50ZqSQ8

Host | DTECH What to expect? DTECH® delivers the insights and connections that move the industry forward. Whether you're focused on resiliency, reliability, sustainability, or grid modernization, DTECH® events offer unmatched value, collaboration, and opportunities to spark real transformation—today and tomorrow. Join us and be part of the momentum shaping the future of transmission and distribution. Registration | ow.ly/oVqj50ZWT32

Host | New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC) What to expect? This annual event brings together over 200 senior executives, policymakers, and innovators from across the U.S. and Canada to address the most pressing issues of our energy system including grid reliability, clean energy integration, affordability, and cross-border collaboration. Registration | ow.ly/gY4V50ZYsFL

Host | Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA) What to expect? The Summit brings government, industry, NGOs, academic, and media stakeholders together to address top issues facing the supply of electric power and to consider the economic and environmental benefits competitive power has brought to the nation and how markets and policy must evolve to meet future demand. Registration | ow.ly/IXpr50ZYzXU