The Missing Energy Crisis

New England’s energy system is at an important juncture, but we are not facing a crisis. After last year’s winter, many argued for radical action to head off looming shortages and increasing prices. However, when we look at how well the energy system weathered the record-cold of 2015, the crisis narrative breaks down. Furthermore, when considering the potential financial motivations behind some of the proposed “solutions,” a more complicated picture emerges. This three part analysis series endeavors to clarify this picture by describing I) the problem and risks that New England faces, II) steps that states are taking to address the problem, and III) how we arrive at a balanced solution that benefits consumers, the climate, and New England as a whole.