SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is celebrating the official launch of the Western Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) on May 1, calling it a major step toward improving energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability across the region.
The new market expands on the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), which has operated since 2014 and delivered significant savings to customers. According to the PUC, the WEIM has saved customers of PacifiCorp more than $1.1 billion across its six-state service area, while Portland General Electric customers have saved approximately $365 million.
With EDAM, energy trading will expand into the day-ahead timeframe, allowing utilities to better anticipate demand and share resources more efficiently across the western grid. Officials say this will help reduce reliance on fossil fuel generation, particularly when renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are expected to be plentiful.
Oregon’s two investor-owned utilities, PacifiCorp and Portland General Electric, are the first to participate in the new market.
State regulators have played a significant role in shaping the market’s development. The PUC worked alongside other western commissions to establish governance structures, ensure strong oversight, and protect customers. The agency also focused on aligning the market with Oregon’s clean energy goals and maintaining accountability for participating utilities.
PUC Chair Letha Tawney said the launch reflects years of regional collaboration.
“Oregon is proud to work alongside our western partners to build a more reliable, affordable, and clean regional grid,” Tawney said. “The Western EDAM is an important step toward maximizing the value of renewable energy and transmission systems that customers are already paying for, while improving grid resilience during extreme weather.”
Tawney added that the market will help states share electricity more efficiently, reducing emissions while keeping costs manageable for households and businesses.
While some cost benefits are already being realized—Pacific Power has incorporated anticipated savings into its 2026 rates—officials say the greatest financial impact will occur during periods of high demand or limited supply, when electricity prices can otherwise spike dramatically.
The PUC said it will continue to monitor EDAM’s implementation, ensuring it remains aligned with state policies and delivers tangible benefits to customers as the market evolves.
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