03/12/26

SPP and western utilities affirm plans for RTO’s April 1 expansion

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 12, 2026) — With less than a month to go before Southwest Power Pool (SPP) expands its regional transmission organization (RTO) services into the Western Interconnection, leaders from participating organizations have affirmed their support to move forward with a vote of support. The unanimous decision to proceed as planned with the western RTO expansion serves as a strong signal of confidence as SPP and its partner utilities prepare for this important milestone.

“April 1 will be a milestone day for SPP when we become the first regional transmission organization to bridge the eastern and western electric grids,” said Lanny Nickell, SPP president and CEO. “We are excited to share the benefits of RTO participation with western utilities and their customers.” 

When the RTO expansion occurs overnight between March 31 and April 1, the following organizations and their customers will become part of the broader, integrated regional system operated by SPP:

  • Basin Electric Power Cooperative
  • Colorado Springs Utilities
  • Deseret Power Electric Cooperative
  • Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska
  • Platte River Power Authority
  • Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association
  • Western Area Power Administration’s Upper Great Plains-West region, Colorado River Storage Project and Rocky Mountain region

The expansion marks the culmination of years of planning and collaboration among SPP and the organizations joining the RTO. As SPP members, the utilities will begin receiving the benefits of a multi-state operational model that:

  • Strengthens Reliability Across the Region: SPP’s regional approach gives utilities access to a larger grid network, a broader set of energy resources, and enhanced 24/7 grid-monitoring. This broader access and regional coordination reduces electric service outage risks during unexpected system events and other circumstances that stress grid reliability.
  • Keeps Wholesale Electricity Prices Low: SPP’s markets coordinate use of the lowest-cost available power to serve the demand for wholesale electricity across the RTO’s entire region, regardless of utility or state borders. SPP’s markets have delivered billions of dollars in economic value to participating utilities. RTO expansion extends these efficiencies across a wider geography, helping participating utilities reduce their costs of acquiring power.
  • Respects State and Local Decision-Making: SPP operates as a not-for-profit, independently governed grid operator that does not own generation or transmission and does not set retail policy. States and local jurisdictions retain authority over infrastructure construction and electricity rates. SPP helps inform those decisions and manage their outcomes across a shared grid better than any single state or utility could on their own.
  • Supports Economic and Industrial Growth: States, utilities, developers, and consumers are all in need of solutions to challenges associated with ever-increasing energy demand. By coordinating transmission planning and ensuring “speed to power” for new load, SPP’s RTO approach helps communities stay competitive in attracting and retaining large economic developers while working to maintain the balance between reliability and affordability.

As April 1 approaches, SPP and its new member utilities remain focused on the disciplined, methodical work that ensures a smooth transition, including rigorous testing, training, simulations and other preparatory activities. The benefits of operating as one coordinated system will grow over time, as regional planning, shared operations, and collaborative decision‑making help position communities and businesses for a more resilient and competitive energy future.

Statements of Support

The following statements have been provided by leaders of the western utilities participating in the expansion of SPP’s RTO services.

Colorado Springs Utilities

“We are actively seeking ways to manage costs and maintain reliability for our customers, while also accessing cleaner energy. Innovative solutions such as joining the Southwest Power Pool enhance our ability to deliver diverse resources - such as wind, solar, natural gas or nuclear - at a lower cost to help manage electric costs for our community. This larger pool of resources also helps us meet state emissions requirements in a cost-effective way.”

  • Travas Deal, CEO

Platte River Power Authority

“Joining the SPP RTO expansion marks the culmination of nearly a decade of dedicated work by our employees and a major milestone for our owner communities as we advance toward a noncarbon energy future. I appreciate the collaboration and support from Lanny Nickell and the SPP team over the last several years to make this possible. This integration will provide broader access to renewable energy resources and allow us to realize the cost efficiencies that come with participating in a fully integrated energy market.”

  • Jason Frisbie, General Manager and CEO

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association

“Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association is thrilled to join the SPP RTO western expansion. This move is about delivering better value, greater reliability, and long‑term savings to our members and the communities they serve. We have enjoyed a strong partnership with SPP, and we look forward to the additional opportunities and benefits this expansion will bring to our members."

  • Duane Highley, CEO

Contact

Derek Wingfield , 501-614-3394, dwingfield@spp.org