Analysis of regional market alternatives for the Mountain West Transmission Group

For the eight members of the Mountain West Transmission Group in Colorado, Wyoming, and neighboring states, Brattle experts analyzed: (1) the implications on member transmission costs of different regional transmission tariff options; and (2) the costs and benefits of alternative regional transmission and market options.  The regional transmission and market analysis included detailed market simulations and estimation of member costs and benefits for: (a) retaining the current bilateral market construct; (b) forming a regional transmission group with de-pancaked transmission service; and (c) forming or joining a full “Day 2” regional wholesale power market.  The results informed the clients’ decision to explore regional market alternatives with CAISO, PJM, and SPP, which ultimately resulted in a commitment to join SPP.