After years of cautionary warnings about the risk of winter-time electricity shortages and possible brownouts, the operator of the New England power grid is putting that message on hold for several years.
An analysis by ISO New England indicates supply and demand for electricity should roughly balance out in the region through 2027. The analysis credits stronger than expected growth in solar power, fewer retirements of existing power plants, and flat demand for electricity.
The analysis also triggered a major policy shift by the grid operator in regard to a liquefied natural gas facility in Everett, which is located next to two power plants scheduled to shut down next year. ISO New England, based on its latest analysis, said it believes the liquefied natural gas facility import facility is no longer needed to keep the grid working smoothly.
