ºÚÁÏÍø

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Seasonal System Outlook

Winter Readiness

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ºÚÁÏÍø anticipates having sufficient resources to meet consumer demand for electricity this winter.

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This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is projecting , with normal precipitation.

System operators have a number of tools at their disposal in the event of unexpected real-time issues, such as generation or transmission outages. These tools include a rolling three-week energy supply forecast, requesting maintenance be deferred, increasing imported energy, or calling on reserve resources.

Winter Stats

20,308 MW

Winter peak forecast, under normal weather conditions

21,089 MW

Winter peak forecast, under below-average temperatures

30,030 MW

Total resources available

22,818 MW

The all-time winter peak demand was set on Jan. 15, 2004, during a cold snap

Winter Power System Operations

“Our system operating teams are in there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, to ensure that the lights stay on for the people of New England.”

—Jon Gravelin

Manager, Control Room Operations

Watch the video to learn more about how the ISO prepares for the winter season.

Forecasting During the Winter

Since 2018, ºÚÁÏÍø has utilized a rolling three-week energy supply forecast, incorporating a variety of factors to provide an early warning to the region of possible energy supply constraints. The forecast incorporates various factors like weather, availability of pipeline natural gas, and expected production from renewable resources.

light bulbThe 21-day forecast provides an early warning sign of potential energy shortages, such as inadequate fuel supplies, that could impact reliable grid operations. The rolling forecast gives resource owners the opportunity to take stock of their resources’ fuel supplies, reschedule maintenance, or arrange for additional fuel deliveries. 

The 21-day forecasts are published weekly. Hear Lead Energy Sercurity Analyst Mallory Waldrip explain the forecasts in .

Operating the Grid and Maintaining Reliability

While short- and long-term forecasts help the region prepare, unexpected situations may arise, and ºÚÁÏÍø’s system operators are well-prepared when these events happen.

plugISO system operators undergo rigorous training to ensure the reliability of the grid in New England. They participate in 200 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification. This training includes hands-on simulations, which prepare them for handling various scenarios during all types of weather conditions, including times of heavy consumer demand during the winter months.

Depending on the severity of the issues, the expected duration of the event, and the level of risk to the power system, system operators can use additional tools such as requesting public conservation or implementing controlled power outages. ºÚÁÏÍø does not anticipate public conservation or controlled outages to be needed this winter.