ISO Minute: How Thanksgiving impacts New England’s power demand

ISO Minute is a video series featuring ISO New England employees speaking about their experiences working for the region’s independent system operator and supporting the safe and reliable transition to clean energy.

On Thanksgiving morning, New Englanders begin firing up ovens as they gear up for a day of food and gatherings. While the region’s kitchens are buzzing, a dedicated team at ISO New England is also on the job—making sure the power grid is prepared for the holiday rush.

On most fall days, electricity demand in New England peaks in the early evening when people are cooking dinner or doing household chores. Thanksgiving throws a twist into this pattern, as Jon Gravelin, manager of control room operations, explains in this ISO Minute.

For a real-time look at this unique demand curve on Thanksgiving, visit ISO Express, or download our mobile app, ISO to Go.