CAISO: California Grid
California Independent System Operator. Tracking solar integration, storage, and Western market changes.
About CAISO
CAISO operates the grid for most of California and parts of Nevada, managing the world's largest concentration of utility-scale solar. The famous "duck curve," the dip in net demand during midday solar peak, has transformed grid operations. California now has over 10 GW of battery storage to smooth the evening ramp. CAISO operates the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) and is developing the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) to better integrate renewables across the entire West.
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Duck Curve & Battery Storage
California's 10+ GW of battery storage is reshaping the evening ramp. Batteries now regularly provide 5-7 GW during sunset hours, helping manage the duck curve during high-variability periods.
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WEIM & EDAM: Western Market Expansion
The Western Energy Imbalance Market has saved participants over $5 billion since launch. The Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) will go further, potentially creating a de facto Western RTO.
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Wildfire Risk & Grid Hardening
Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), undergrounding programs, and wildfire liability shape utility operations. PG&E alone is spending billions on grid hardening.
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Offshore Wind
California's $6.1B transmission plan includes interconnection for floating offshore wind along the Central and North Coast. The state aims for 25 GW of offshore wind by 2045.
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100% Clean Energy by 2045
SB 100 mandates 100% clean electricity by 2045. California is a test case for high-renewable grids and for the challenge of moving from 40% to 100%.