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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — A new report from the Independent System Operators (ISO) New England says above-average warm temperatures are likely to stick around for most of the winter season— which is great news for the region's power grid.
With the National Weather Service's report on the warm winter, officials expect they won't have to have controlled outages or brown outs to conserve energy. Though knowing New England, a cold snap is entirely possible— in the event temperatures take a long term dive, officials say they have backup plans to pinpoint problems early and keep the power supply flowing.
Those plans may including asking residents to use less energy during peak times and drawing power from reserves or nearby regions.
"As we head into this winter, we do expect the region will have enough electricity under mild to moderate conditions, which in New England, is quite cold," said ISO spokesperson Mike Kakley told WBZ's Tim Dunn.
It's a good thing too, ISO New England says demand for electricity has gone up about 2 percent compared to last year with pinnacle usage clocking in at an expected 20,009 megawatts during potential 10 degree Fahrenheit conditions.
The region's natural gas supply is also a top concern for residents, but ISO New England is keeping a close eye on those fuel levels, using special forecasts to see potential shortages weeks in advance.
"One thing that we do is run a three-week 'look ahead' forecast that looks at weather, the availability of generators to provide electricity, fuel supplies— it's really aimed at seeing any issues that might be coming while there's still time to take action," Kakley said.
Officials say that based off that information, they'll be able to make plans for extra deliveries to accommodate a dip in the natural gas supply.
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But the warmer temperatures do present a concern over climate change, officials say short term benefits from the abnormal heat may be outweighed by severe disasters down the line.
WBZ's Nichole Davis (@NicholeDWBZ) and Tim Dunn (@ConsiderMeDunn) report.
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