New England’s electricity demand is expected to reach its highest level of the year on Thursday as an intense heatwave grips the region, prompting grid operator ISO New England to issue a precautionary alert while urging residents to conserve energy during peak hours.
The nonprofit grid operator said electricity demand is forecast to peak at 25,850 megawatts (MW) on 2 July, driven by soaring temperatures expected to reach the upper 90s and low 100s across parts of southern New England, including Boston and Hartford.
Although the regional power system is projected to have enough resources to meet consumer demand and required operating reserves, ISO New England warned that only a limited amount of surplus generating capacity is available to respond to unexpected events such as power plant outages or transmission disruptions.
The operator also noted that widespread hot and humid conditions across neighboring regions, including New York and Quebec, could reduce the availability of electricity imports into New England, adding to operational uncertainty.
To help ease pressure on the grid, ISO New England called on consumers to reduce electricity consumption between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when demand typically reaches its daily peak.
Residents were encouraged to pre-cool their homes, delay the use of energy-intensive appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers until off-peak hours, and keep curtains and blinds closed to reduce indoor heat.
The precautionary alert, issued on 1 July, is intended to increase preparedness among power system operators and market participants. ISO New England stressed that the notification does not indicate a power emergency but serves as an early warning of expected tight operating conditions.
System operators said all available electricity generation and demand-reduction resources are expected to be online during the late afternoon and early evening when demand is forecast to be at its highest.
ISO New England also projected electricity demand to remain elevated through the holiday weekend, with peak loads of 24,000 MW on Friday, 21,950 MW on Saturday, and lower levels expected thereafter as weather conditions gradually moderate.
The grid operator said it will continue monitoring system conditions around the clock and provide updates if operating conditions change.