I share the views of this author (click Read More below) with regard to the benefits of an RTO regarding optimized central dispatch that takes full advantage of the transmission system.
I also believe the use of a bilateral capacity exchange, which the Western Interconnection uses for "Resource Adequacy" capacity acquisition is a far better approach than what is currently used in capacity markets operating within the Eastern Interconnection, namely PJM and ISO New England. A capacity exchange similar to that used in the Western Interconnection and by Clean Energy Buyers, as described in AOCE, would address many of the issues in New England to meet reliability requirements and satisfy State Energy goals.