In an order issued last week, FERC instructed the two regional grid operators to submit a joint report by Sept. 30, 2026, outlining progress on operational coordination along the seams between the CAISO and SPP markets, as well as coordination with neighboring balancing authorities. The directive comes as the Western electric grid continues to evolve through expanding regional market participation, increasing renewable energy integration, and changing transmission operations. As additional balancing authorities and utilities participate in broader regional markets, effective seams coordination has become increasingly important for maintaining reliability and improving market efficiency. FERC said the report should examine coordination both between the CAISO and SPP markets and between each market and neighboring balancing authorities. The order reflects FERC's continued focus on improving coordination among regional transmission organizations and balancing authorities as the nation's power system becomes more interconnected and operationally complex.