ISO Minute: Publishing the CELT Report

ISO Minute is a video series featuring ISO New England employees sharing their experiences supporting the reliable operation and ongoing evolution of New England’s power grid.

May 1 isn’t a date that Melanie Buell needs to circle on her calendar — it’s one that’s always top of mind. That’s the day the annual Forecast Report of Capacity, Energy, Loads and Transmission (CELT Report) is published.

As a lead analyst in ISO New England’s System Planning department, Buell coordinates the annual report, working with subject matter experts from across the organization to compile the forecasts, data, and insights that make the CELT Report a foundational resource for system planning and reliability studies.

“I always call myself the publisher, so everyone knows I am not the expert,” Buell says. “I have to go to the experts and say, ‘What is this?’ and ‘Is this right?’”

Over the years, the CELT Report has evolved to include new forecasts, a refreshed design, and expanded insights beyond forecast data. Today, it includes information such as the potential output of resources participating in the capacity market, the region’s total generating capability, and a breakdown of generating resources by fuel type and unit classification.

“The CELT keeps track of what’s happening in the electric industry in New England, and we get to see those changes,” Buell says. “Then we think about how do we share them with everyone so they’re useful and understandable.”

Related:

• Go Deeper: CELT Report