Uncovering the Atlantic Wholesale Electricity Market

To ensure successful steps to a low carbon economy and total electrification, commitments to deep decarbonization in North America require regional power system integration. The most efficient solution for regional power integration, enabling competitive electricity wholesale is proven by Regional Transmission Organizations (RTO). The RTO concept and practices ensure high efficiency and reliability of regional electricity markets and power transmission system operations. To improve power integration of regional and inter-regional electricity trade using an RTO approach, the last frontiers for organized wholesale markets in North America should be identified, addressed and resolved.

One of important frontiers for competitive regional electricity wholesale in North America is presented by Atlantic Canada. An Atlantic RTO (ARTO) here manifests a key upgrade and an important component of the Canadian Electricity System addressing its generation mix, transmission structure and regulatory framework, and advancing inter-regional East-West and North-South power integration. The ARTO would enable best-in-class regulations that strengthen existing policies for the electricity sector and should be seen as a compelling high priority in leveraging the Clean Grid 2035 target in Canada.