Cold weather updates: Week of Jan. 23, 2026

Jan. 27, 2026 — 9:50 a.m.

ISO New England continues to monitor grid conditions as cold weather persists across the region.

A precautionary alert issued on Sunday, Jan. 25, due to the cold weather remains in effect.

Throughout the week, electricity demand is forecasted to peak between 18,600 and 19,750 megawatts (MW).

Jan. 26, 2026 — 11:00 a.m.

A precautionary alert ISO New England issued yesterday remains in effect due to current and forecasted cold weather in the region. ISO New England will continue to monitor conditions as the region experiences continued cold weather. 

The regional power grid remained reliable as consumer demand for electricity peaked on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 2:00 p.m. at approximately 20,182 megawatts (MW). This peak falls in line with ISO New England’s prewinter forecasts for demand. Forecasted peak demand for the next week ranges from 18,300 MW to 19,630 MW.

On Sunday, Jan. 25, the ISO requested an order from the US Department of Energy (DOE) under Section 202 (c) of the Federal Power Act. The DOE approved the request that same day, to be effective through Saturday, Jan. 31. DOE orders under Section 202 (c) allow grid operators to direct power plants and other generating resources to run in ways that keep the grid reliable, even if that temporarily overrides regulatory or emission requirements.

The ISO will provide regular reports to DOE as resources request to operate under the order and meet the requirements specified in the order, which can be viewed on the Department of Energy’s website.

Jan. 25, 2026 — 10:15 a.m.

ISO New England is taking proactive steps in light of the prolonged cold stretch related to Winter Storm Fern to ensure the region’s power system remains reliable, even though the grid is not currently experiencing emergency conditions. 

As part of that preparation, the ISO requested an order from the US Department of Energy (DOE) under Section 202 (c) of the Federal Power Act. The ISO sought the order to ensure that all available power resources in New England, including those subject to emissions or other permit limitations, can operate if needed when they otherwise might not be able to. 

The ISO did not make this request lightly and recognizes the importance of environmental permit limits. 

The DOE approved the request this morning. As requested by the ISO, the order is narrowly tailored and time limited, intending to support grid reliability during the extended cold weather. Pursuant to the order, the ISO will provide regular reports to DOE regarding any resources meeting the requirements specified in the order.

Jan. 25, 2026 — 9:00 a.m.

ISO New England has issued a precautionary alert as cold winter weather is forecasted across the region. This is not a system emergency.

Known as an Abnormal Conditions Alert (M/LCC2), this alert is used primarily to create awareness of potential system operating issues for power system personnel and wholesale electricity market participants. It is not a request for public conservation.

ISO New England continues to monitor system conditions and will provide further updates, as needed, in this space. 

Jan. 23, 2026

ISO New England is anticipating normal power system operations this weekend, even as bitter cold temperatures and snow are forecast throughout the region on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

To make sure enough power is available, the ISO uses numerous forecasting tools to determine how much electricity will be used across the region. Ahead of the storm, the ISO has issued a Cold Weather Watch for Saturday, Jan. 24. This alert is designed to inform power generators and government officials about extreme cold weather expected across the region. A Cold Weather Watch means there is enough supply to meet expected demand and reserve requirements. No action is required by the public. 

While the ISO projects adequate supplies of electricity in the coming days, system operators and forecasters will continue to monitor conditions. If unexpected events arise, such as the sudden loss of a power plant or transmission line, the highly trained system operators inside ISO New England’s control room have various tools available to balance the system. These tools include increasing imported energy into the region and calling on reserve resources. 

ISO New England manages the regional power system that delivers power across New England. The current condition of the regional bulk power system can be viewed on our website, with more detailed information available on ISO Express.