Load

Adequate supply and flexible resources contribute to reliable grid operation. Learn more below about the roles of load serving entities, utility distribution companies, demand response providers, and how the ISO and others work to plan for and manage large loads.

Data center
Large loads

California faces an unprecedented surge in electricity demand driven in part by new large loads, and the ISO is committed to meeting new energy demands in a reliable, affordable, and equitable way.
Transmission lines and substation
Load serving entity

Load serving entities are required to procure additional energy, referred to as “reserve margin,” above their demand. Through a scheduling coordinator, load serving entities can participate in the market, like all participants in the ISO markets.
Power lines
Utility distribution company

Entities that own a distribution system for the delivery of energy to and from the California ISO balancing authority area , and provide regulated retail electric service to eligible customers, play key roles in how the ISO manages energy schedules.
Solar panels on a building rooftop.
Demand response

Demand response providers with the ability to aggregate customers capable of reducing their load can participate in the ISO day-ahead, real-time and ancillary services markets. Demand side resources can offer bids that reflect their flexibility to adjust their load in response to market schedules and dispatches.
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