The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors has approved a budget amendment as part of a plan to join two electric markets.

The board has approved $24 million for advanced preparations to joining the Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) and the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM). The move, when completed, could mean millions of dollars in annual savings and greater operational flexibility. The EIM will allow for electricity to be traded every 5 and 15 minutes. This will offer quicker response times than the district's current hourly trading model. EDAM will enhance planning and procurement efficiency in the day-ahead window, where most energy transactions are made. According to the IID, the move positions the district to become the first utility to pursue concurrent participation in both markets, operated by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO). IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader said,  " This step allows us to modernize our systems while maintaining our independence as a balancing authority - and most important, protect our customers." Implementation is pending final agreements with CAISO. The move included three phases, the first began in 2022 with an economic assessment. Phase II was a gap analysis completed in 2023. Phase III, the final step, is expected to be completed by 2028.