The operator of New England’s power grid, ISO New England Inc., says the region could face a strain this winter as it competes with European countries for shipments of liquefied natural gas, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The grid relies on natural gas imports to supply New England with electricity during the winter months. ISO New England told the newspaper that an extremely cold winter could result in “rolling blackouts to keep electricity supply and demand in balance,” according to the report.
Severe winter weather could create a need for spot-market purchases as Russia has stopped most of its shipments to Europe amid the war in Ukraine.
“The most challenging aspect of this winter is what’s happening around the world and the extreme volatility in the markets,” Vamsi Chadalavada, the grid operator’s chief operating officer, told the WSJ. “If you are in the commercial sector, at what point do you buy fuel?”
