For organizations with significant energy demand—data centers (hyperscale, colocation, enterprise), financial institutions, healthcare systems, REITs, and commercial real estate portfolios—energy is more than just a budget item. It’s a strategic driver of cost savings, resilience, and sustainability.
In competitive markets like PJM, NYISO and NE-ISO, capacity constraints and rising demand make retail procurement more opaque, allowing for greater hidden charges. A smarter, fully transparent path is emerging: direct membership with the regional Independent System Operator (ISO).
In Episode 2 of Ask the ISO Expert, learn how ISO membership unlocks five core advantages that every executive should evaluate:
- Lower Costs
ISO Direct consistently delivers savings compared to retail. The spread has ranged from 5% to 25% annually, with a long-term average of 10% for more than two decades. For large energy users, that equates to millions in avoided costs year after year. - Demand Response with Faster Direct Payouts
ISO members can self-supply demand response (DR) services—turning flexibility into revenue. DR payments are credited directly to ISO invoices, lowering net costs and creating monthly cash flow benefits. - Stronger Renewable Economics
Self-management of renewables through the ISO avoids retail markups and improves oversight of renewable energy credits (RECs). In addition, Integrated REC management of renewable energy projects at the wholesale level improves financial performance and increases transparency. - Improved Access to Scarce Power Capacity
Data centers and hospitals in particular face growing challenges in accessing new power capacity. Because ISOs control grid capacity, membership and knowledge of the ISO process often improve both the timeliness and probability of securing the power needed to support expansion. - Full Price Transparency
Retail contracts often include hidden fees and complex terms. ISO Direct procurement offers complete transparency, empowering finance, procurement, and sustainability teams with clear and auditable pricing.
Integrated Energy Management at the ISO Level
The greatest advantage of ISO membership is strategic integration. By aligning supply, demand, and sustainability at the ISO level, executives can unlock hidden opportunities, strengthen operational resilience, and ensure energy strategy fully supports corporate and financial goals.
Who Should Consider Membership?
ISO membership typically requires 20 million kilowatt-hours annually per utility. Once eligibility is established, the path is straightforward:
- Choose the right membership structure for your organization.
- Submit a simple application.
- Decide whether to manage operations in-house or outsource for efficiency, as many enterprises do.
Watch Episode 2: The Advantages of ISO Membership
About the Expert
Eugene Garcia is the President of ECM Energy Management Services. For over 20 years, he has worked directly with Independent System Operators (ISOs) across the U.S., helping Fortune 500 companies, data centers (hyperscale, colocation and enterprise), hospitals, REITs, and financial institutions reduce energy costs, secure power capacity, and achieve sustainability goals.
Earlier in his career, Eugene designed power plants in the U.S. and contributed to global power plant development and electric distribution system projects. This combination of hands-on engineering and international perspective provides him with a unique understanding of how energy systems operate under different market, regulatory, and grid conditions. These insights translate into practical strategies for U.S. clients—enabling him to anticipate risks, engineer creative solutions, and deliver measurable results.
Under his leadership, ECM has maintained a 100% success rate navigating complex ISO markets in PJM, NYISO, and ISO-NE.
About ECM Energy
ECM Energy Management Services is a boutique energy management firm specializing in ISO-direct procurement, renewable integration, demand response, and carbon accounting. With a 20+ year track record of success, ECM helps organizations in NYISO, PJM, NE-ISO, secure capacity, cut costs, and meet sustainability goals with confidence.
Explore Additional Episodes in the Ask the ISO Expert Series:
Episode 1: The Energy Opportunity
Why buying directly from the ISO gives enterprises a structural advantage.
Episode 3: Setting the Record Straight – Retail vs. Wholesale
Learn why retail ≠ wholesale, and why this distinction matters for your bottom line.