Bengaluru — The New England electricity grid is set to meet peak electricity demand this summer, even if extended hot weather causes demand to spike, the ISO New England (ISO-NE) said on Monday.
Under typical weather conditions, the grid operator expects electricity demand to touch 24,553 megawatts (MW) but warmer-than-average weather could increase that forecast to 26,383 MW, ISO-NE said in a statement. However, while this would tighten supply margins, “the ISO is prepared to take steps to maintain the region’s power system reliability if needed,” it added.
The grid operator oversees the electric system across six states in New England.
In total, the ISO-NE expects to have available around 30,000 MW of capacity for the New England region, pulling from a mix of resources including natural gas, nuclear power, renewable energy and electricity imported from New York and Canada.
Consumer demand for electricity tends to peak in the New England area during the summer months, because of air conditioning use.
Last month, the grid operator released a report that estimated its electricity consumption is set to increase by 17% over the next decade, as the region electrifies its transportation sector and heating systems.
*Kavya Balaraman, editing: Franklin Paul – Reuters
