Tight operating conditions expected on New England power grid this weekend

Jan. 29, 2026 — 11:30 a.m.

ISO New England, beginning Thursday, plans to post updated 21-day forecasts each morning through the weekend as the region and the electric grid contend with an extended period of severely cold temperatures. Typically, the 21-day forecast is provided weekly on Wednesdays during the winter months, but ISO procedures allow for more frequent publishing during periods of increased interest or uncertainty.

The ISO also plans to submit Friday a request to the US Department of Energy (DOE) to extend by two weeks the application of the existing 202(c) provisions. If approved, the provisions, which currently expire Saturday, Jan. 31, would run through Saturday, Feb. 14. (Update: DOE subsequently approved the extension.)

ISO New England 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.

The ISO is forecasting sustained high energy demand to continue throughout the coming weeks, making the replenishment of stored fuels critical for system reliability.

Jan. 28, 2026

ISO New England anticipates operating conditions will continue to tighten in the coming days as the region experiences ongoing below-average temperatures in the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern.

The ISO’s latest 21-day forecast, published Wednesday morning, indicates narrow energy margins from Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, Feb. 1, although the region is still expected to meet consumer demand and required operating reserves.

The analysis is based on several inputs, including consumer demand forecasts, expected weather conditions, reported fuel inventories and replenishments, generator and transmission outages, and other factors.

Separately, the ISO has issued a Cold Weather Watch for Friday, Jan. 30. 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.

Consistent cold weather across the region over the past week has led to elevated energy use, both in terms of peak demand and overall energy consumption. Meeting this consumer demand is requiring significant usage of the region’s stored fuel oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) inventories. Replenishment of LNG has been strong, and there has been some fuel oil replenishment, with more expected in the coming week. Supply chains associated with replenishment of fuel oil remain constrained, however, following the storm over the weekend.

The cold weather is also affecting neighboring regions, further straining fuel supplies and limiting New England’s ability to import electricity.

Should unexpected conditions arise in the coming days, the ISO’s highly trained system operators have various tools available to balance the system.

The ISO expects operating conditions to improve early next week, though uncertainty remains due to the potential for another winter storm, continued stress on the fuel supply chain, and persistent cold weather. The ISO is forecasting sustained high energy demand to continue throughout the three-week forecast period, making the replenishment of stored fuels imperative.

The ISO will continue monitoring system conditions and may publish additional analysis if needed.