© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Regional Power Manager Warns Of Future Grid Vulnerabilities In New England

dno1967b
/
Creative Commons

As natural gas gets diverted for home and other heating this winter, the head of New England's electricity grid is warning about possible future risks to the region's power.

Homes and businesses that heat with natural gas draw more fuel in the winter. While that gas keeps those customers warm, it means the fuel isn't always making its way to natural-gas fired power plants, which use it to make electricity.

"We're facing the reality that it's very difficult to build new gas pipelines into New England," said Gordon van Welie, president and CEO of ISO New England, the independent, not-for-profit administrator of power in the region. "There is a point at which we will not be able to ensure reliability if we continue retiring non-gas resources."

Speaking on a conference call with reporters, van Welie said there are now more gas-fired power plants in the region, but during winter peak demand, the region's infrastructure can't always get fuel to them quickly enough.

That means system operators have to rely on older oil, coal, and nuclear plants to provide energy, but the problem is those are closing.

"In just the last three years, more than 4,000 megawatts of coal, oil, and nuclear generators have retired or announced the will retire by 2019," he said.

That list includes Brayton Point, a coal-fired plant in Massachusetts, and Pilgrim, the state's only remaining nuclear plant.

Meanwhile, the only remaining nuclear provider in Connecticut -- Watertown's Millstone Power Station -- is reporting issues competing against cheaper-priced natural gas.

Eventually, van Welie said, renewable resources like wind and solar may be the solution to New England's array of power issues, but in the meantime, during an extreme weather event, he said he can't rule out the possibility of voluntary power restrictions, or in extreme cases, rolling blackouts.

Patrick Skahill is a reporter and digital editor at Connecticut Public. Prior to becoming a reporter, he was the founding producer of Connecticut Public Radio's The Colin McEnroe Show, which began in 2009. Patrick's reporting has appeared on NPR's Morning Edition, Here & Now, and All Things Considered. He has also reported for the Marketplace Morning Report. He can be reached at pskahill@ctpublic.org.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content