Reclaiming energy sovereignty in the South Image By Eric Skrmetta The recent failures of regional grid operators – the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) – have exposed just how fragile and unaccountable our current energy framework has become. With rolling blackouts, skyrocketing costs, and regulators sidelined, states like Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, and others must urgently chart a new course rooted in local control, reliability, and common-sense energy leadership. Under the guise of regional cooperation, SPP and MISO have steadily eroded the authority of state commissions, drained resources from ratepayers, and handed over control to unelected bureaucrats. Executive compensation has soared while customer service has declined. This centralized, unaccountable model is a bad deal for American families and businesses—especially in the South, where traditional energy values and pro-consumer policies matter. RTOs are bloated institutions with poor transparency, no accountability, and little incentive to serve the real needs of working families. They represent a departure from the American principle that government closest to the people governs best. In April 2025, over 30,000 Shreveport-area customers were left in the dark without warning due to emergency actions by SPP. MISO’s similar failures led to widespread outages in the New Orleans metro area, affecting over 100,000 homes and businesses. In both cases, local utilities and regulators were blindsided. At the same time, transmission costs across RTO territories have ballooned – exceeding $2 billion in 2022 alone, according to the National Bureau of Economic Research. And while the grid falters, RTO executives continue to collect seven-figure salaries, funded directly or indirectly by American ratepayers. This isn’t just inefficiency – it’s energy mismanagement on the backs of working people. A better option Instead of being tied to bloated RTOs, states should expand participation in the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market (SEEM) – a market that reflects the conservative principles of low overhead, local accountability, and respect for state sovereignty. SEEM is lean, voluntary, and keeps power in the hands of those closest to the people: state regulators and local utilities. Unlike SPP and MISO, SEEM doesn’t require billion-dollar bureaucracies or overpaid CEOs. It delivers cost savings without surrendering control to Washington, D.C.-influenced energy operators. It respects each state's right to design a system that fits its economy, values, and customers—not one-size-fits-all mandates. Why SEEM works for the South Lower Costs – Cuts out RTO bureaucracy and costly duplication Local Control – Restores full authority to state regulators and ratepayers Smarter Investment – Focuses spending on infrastructure that matters to the region Reliable Energy – Prioritizes performance, not politics SEEM supports energy policies that reflect America First values – energy that is reliable, affordable, secure, and accountable to the public, not corporate insiders or distant regulators. Defenders of the current system claim SPP and MISO bring “market benefits” and “supply diversity.” But when it mattered most – during storms and heatwaves – they failed. What good is diversity if it doesn’t work? Critics warn that leaving RTOs would be “complex” or “expensive.” But those same voices were silent when states entered these agreements. The truth is: restoring local energy control is no harder than signing it away – it just takes political will. The way forward Utilities should formally notify SPP and MISO of their intent to exit—most contracts only require one year’s notice. State utility commissions, governors, and utility leaders must coordinate to manage the transition and engage directly with SEEM and other pro-ratepayer markets. This isn’t about breaking the system. It’s about building something better – something that works. The time has come for the South to lead. Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Orleans must break free of failed RTOs and embrace a smarter, more accountable model. Joining SEEM and rejecting top-down grid control isn’t just good policy – it’s a return to energy independence, state authority, and responsible governance. The South has always stood for strength, resilience, and self-reliance. Let’s bring that same spirit back to our energy policy. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta is Vice Chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission and a nationally recognized leader in utility oversight and regulatory reform. *The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of EnergyPlatform.News.
