California ISO

We manage the flow of electricity across high-voltage power lines for 80 percent of California’s grid and a small part of Nevada’s. We act as a neutral grid operator, delivering electricity safely and reliably to utilities and consumers ²⁴⁄₇. We operate like air traffic controllers, directing electron traffic on a power grid we don’t own. We grant equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and help various energy sources compete to provide power to customers.

As a non-profit public benefit corporation, we run a competitive wholesale energy market. This market aims to diversify energy sources, lower prices, and encourage renewable energy. Our day-ahead and real-time markets buy and optimize energy to keep the grid reliable. We also plan transmission to make the grid more efficient and reliable. This includes identifying regional grid needs and projects that can save consumers money.

We offer programs like the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) for wholesale energy trading in the West. We’re also developing the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM) to better manage transmission and resources in the day-ahead period. RC West, our Reliability Coordinator, ensures grid compliance and helps manage system emergencies for many balancing authorities and transmission operators in the western U.S. Our market allows qualified entities to buy and sell congestion revenue rights and participate in convergence bidding. We also handle reliability requirements and resource adequacy programs that set deliverability standards for load-serving entities.

We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by ensuring a continuous electricity supply. We support the state’s clean power goals and aim for a clean electric grid in the future.

Our mission is to inform, educate, and advocate for a clean, stable electric system and an efficient market.

We employ 501 to 1000 people. Our work environment is collaborative, and employees often work with experienced industry professionals. We prioritize professional growth, offering chances to engage with the CEO and executive team. Learning happens quickly as we develop leadership and technical skills.

Work often involves creating and improving forecast models, analyzing data, and enhancing forecasting tools, frequently under tight deadlines. Our legal department, for example, has a 13-attorney in-house team supported by paralegals and administrative staff.

We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Eligible employees can get relocation assistance and choose from hybrid or fully remote work schedules. Flexible work arrangements are also an option.

For interns, we provide paid internships, usually lasting 10-12 weeks. For example, legal interns earn $31/hour, and economics interns earn $27-$32 per hour. Interns and other staff can meet with the CEO and Executive team, attend seminars on energy topics like renewables, electric cars, and microgrids, and join social activities with other interns.

Our main campus in Folsom, California, is LEED-certified. Legal professionals can also participate in our internal continuing legal education programs. Some eligible positions also qualify for shift premiums.