Peak Reliability (Peak), the Reliability Coordinator for the majority of the Western Interconnection, and PJM Connext announced today a formal agreement to explore reliability services and markets in the West. PJM Connext is a wholly-owned, non-regulated subsidiary of PJM Interconnection.

Talking about the relative strengths of Peak and PJM, Marie Jordan, president and CEO of Peak said, “PJM has an established track record as an innovative and cost-effective provider of system operations and market services. Our partnership seeks to leverage Peak’s West-wide system model, PJM’s markets expertise, and our combined processes, people and tools. Both Peak and PJM share a strong commitment to developing solutions, tailored to the Western Interconnection.”

“PJM has extensive experience developing and implementing markets in a timely, cost-effective manner,” said Andy Ott, PJM president and CEO. “We believe that our partnership will lead to a viable and credible alternative structure in the West, and we’re looking forward to working with the Peak team to develop that option.”

Peak and PJM Connext will begin review of potential reliability services, market design, governance, product suites, rules, technology and organization. That process will include an outreach program to industry leaders and stakeholders in the Western Interconnection. The two companies expect to report the results of the review by the end of March 2018.

PJM Connext was formed to provide PJM service and technology solutions, training and licensing to existing and emerging electricity markets, system operators and regional transmission organizations. The corporate structure of PJM Connext isolates PJM members from financial risks related to PJM Connext’s business activities. PJM Connext and its predecessor PJM Technologies have been providing innovation and expertise to the domestic and global electric industry since 2000.