Cold weather strains New England electric grid

The New England electric grid strained over the last two weeks as it managed heavy power use during prolonged frigid weather.

Day after day of cold drove consumer demand for electricity sharply upward and put sustained pressure on the power system, according to grid operator ISO-New England.

The situation could have been worse without years of investments in weatherization, insulation and other efficiency programs across New England said Jamie Dickerson, Senior Director at Climate and Clean Energy Programs at the Acadia Center.

Energy efficiency upgrades served about 10% of the electric capacity on Jan. 26, at the beginning of abnormal conditions on the electric system, Dickerson said.

“The hidden resources that are contributing to the grid, chief among which we always like to talk about is energy efficiency, which was definitely playing a critical but somewhat invisible role during these winter peaks,” Dickerson said.

Continuing those programs, replacing baseboard electric heaters with more efficient heat pumps and installing more offshore wind power could help the region reduce and meet overall demand in future cold periods, Dickerson added.

To read the full article from Maine Public, click here.