New England grid operator says it’s prepared for peak electricity demands this summer

PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 3, 2024

New England’s grid operator said Monday that the region has enough electricity to meet demand this summer but warned that an extended heat wave with high humidity resulting in the extensive use of air conditioners could force it to ask customers to use less power or impose controlled outages, measures it would take only as a last resort. Hotter than average weather, such as an extended heat wave and high humidity, could push demand up to 26,383 MW, a nearly 7.5% increase that would reduce supply margins.