New England Relies on Oil and Coal as Cold Snap Drives Up Electricity Demand
February 24, 2025
During a cold snap in the week of January 19, 2025, New England experienced below-average temperatures, leading to increased electricity demand. On January 21 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, ISO-New England (ISO-NE) reported a peak hourly demand of 19,600 megawatts (MW). To meet this demand, the region utilized oil and coal-fired power plants, which are typically used infrequently. This reliance on oil and coal during periods of high demand highlights the challenges of ensuring grid reliability during extreme weather events.
