The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is a non-profit organization responsible for managing the wholesale electricity market and overseeing the high-voltage transmission grid in California. Serving approximately 80% of the state and part of Nevada, CAISO ensures the efficient and reliable flow of electricity across its transmission network. The operator centrally dispatches energy, balancing supply and demand in real-time, and coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity. In addition to energy, CAISO administers markets for ancillary services and congestion revenue rights, enabling the optimal use of transmission infrastructure. CAISO plays a critical role in integrating renewable energy into California's grid, supporting the state’s ambitious clean energy goals.
Furthermore, CAISO operates the Energy Imbalance Market (EIM), a regional market that includes entities from Arizona, Oregon, Utah, and other states, improving grid efficiency across the Western U. S. Its work is key to maintaining grid stability, reliability, and market competitiveness.
