ISO New England says electricity grid ready for winter - WMUR Manchester

ISO New England says electricity grid ready for winter in NH

ISO New England says electricity grid ready for winter

Organization says it monitors weather outlook to prepare for tough conditions

The organization responsible for electricity transmission in New England says the power grid will have enough resources for the winter.

Officials with ISO New England said that 99.9% of people in New England get their electricity from the grid, so it's important to make sure the grid is prepared for anything that can happen.

"We're just looking to make sure we have the resources that we expect we will need," said Matt Kakley, spokesman for ISO New England.

With nearly every household, apartment and business in New England relying on ISO New England's power grid, the organization said it's important to be prepared for any scenario. That's why every summer and winter, it looks at how the grid is doing and determines whether its resources will be sufficient for the expected peak demand.

Kakley said the peak demand in winter happens when it's coldest after the sun sets.

"Because ultimately, supply and demand on the electric grid has to be kept in balance," he said. "Otherwise, we risk catastrophic equipment failures."

There are several plans in place to prevent a failure. One of the tools ISO New England uses to predict problems before they happen is the three-week rolling weather forecast. Officials look at what the weather will be to make sure there will be enough fuel for the demand that will come with it.

"We try to find that balance of accuracy of a weather forecast while there is still time to take action if we see something concerning," Kakley said.

The electric company Unitil said it's aware of how the slightest change in weather can impact the grid, which is why the planning ISO New England undertakes is so important.

"So, while it's good news overall, we know we still have to be prepared and plan accordingly in the event we do see that extended cold snap," said Unitil spokesman Alec O'Meara.

ISO New England said there are several backup plans they could put in place if the grid comes up short on fuel, such as using reserve resources or borrowing from a neighboring grid.