The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) is a non-profit organization that manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up most of California's power grid. CAISO is responsible for ensuring that the state's power grid remains stable and reliable, even during times of high demand or unexpected outages. The organization was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Folsom, California. CAISO operates as an independent system operator (ISO), which means that it is responsible for managing the power grid in a neutral and non-discriminatory manner, without favoring any particular power generators or utilities.