Markets and operators · Definition
Wholesale electricity market
A market in which electricity, capacity, and grid services are bought and sold for resale or system operation rather than directly to most retail customers.
In plain languageA market in which electricity, capacity, and grid services are bought and sold for resale or system operation rather than directly to most retail customers.
- Category
- Markets and operators
- Primary reference
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Why it matters
How this term helps you read grid data
Organized markets can dispatch generators and calculate location-specific prices, while other regions use different utility and bilateral arrangements.
Example
Wholesale electricity market in practice
A regional operator may select generators each hour based on bids, operating limits, demand, and transmission conditions.
Reference
Check the primary source
US Grid Explorer paraphrases agency terminology for clarity. Consult the agency reference for formal definitions and current regulatory usage.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission →