These include lowering greenhouse gas emissions, adding jobs in California and saving consumers there up to $1.5bn on their electric bills over the next 15 years.
A western-state interconnected electric system is expected to lower power purchasing costs, leverage market and operation efficiencies over a larger geographical area, and optimize transmission project planning.
The studies, conducted on behalf of the CAISO by leading experts in the fields of energy, environment and economics, were required under the state's Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act, or Senate Bill 350, which set the 50% renewable portfolio standard .
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