Power traders do this all the time. Each power plant/wind farm/solar farm has a generation cost and a time span that is required for startup or shut down. Balan

Power traders do this all the time. Each power plant/wind farm/solar farm has a generation cost and a time span that is required for startup or shut down. Balancing these factors and meeting demand the cheapest way possible is their business. Also keep in mind that the price to consumers will never be negative. This would be only the generation and distribution side of the house.