New England's electricity grid operator, ISO New England, has assured residents that the electricity system is well-prepared for the upcoming summer season. However, the region may face challenges if it experiences prolonged and extreme heat waves. In such circumstances, ISO New England may request voluntary energy conservation from residents and businesses, import power from neighboring regions, or tap into power reserves.
As climate change continues to make weather patterns more unpredictable, grid operators anticipate the need for these measures to become more frequent. Summer is traditionally a period of high electricity demand in New England, with air conditioners running in homes across the region. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts above-average temperatures, further increasing the strain on the electricity grid.
ISO New England's summer forecasts take into account the growing contribution of solar power, particularly from rooftop panels installed on homes. These panels generate the most electricity during the early afternoon, effectively shifting the peak demand hour to the early evening. Additionally, energy efficiency measures such as upgraded appliances and lighting are helping to reduce overall demand.
Under normal conditions, electricity demand in New England is estimated to reach 24,605 megawatts. However, this figure is expected to rise to 26,421 megawatts if the region experiences above-average summer weather. To meet this demand, ISO New England anticipates having over 30,000 megawatts of capacity available for electricity customers. Last year, on August 4, 2022, peak demand reached 24,780 megawatts.
While ISO New England is confident in the grid's resilience, they urge residents to remain mindful of their energy consumption, particularly during periods of extreme heat. By practicing energy conservation and adopting more sustainable practices, New Englanders can contribute to a more stable and reliable electricity system.
Source: ctpublic.org