NYISO assessment shows power grid is ready for winter

RENSSELAER, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- With temperatures beginning to fall below freezing and winter right around the corner, power grids across the state are preparing to meet winter demands. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) said the state's power grids are ready for the winter season.

In the nonprofit corporation's 2024-2025 Winter Assessment, 29,514 megawatts (MW) of power are available to the projected peak demand of 23,800 MW. The 2023-2024 winter power peak was on Jan. 17, 2024, and amounted to 22,754 MW.

NYISO Vice President Aaron Markham said this year's winter assessment shows adequate resources to support this winter's electric demand. However, disruptions in fuel supplies to generators could result in operational challenges, especially during extreme winter weather conditions. "

NYISO is vocalizing concerns about declining reliability as the state moves closer to being a winter-peaking system within the middle of the next decade. The state's records for winter peaking was set on Jan. 7, 2014, using 25,738 MW.

As winter approaches, the cost of heating can be taxing for New Yorkers, and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) and Emergency HEAP can benefit some residents. HEAP applications opened on Nov. 1, and Emergency HEAP applications will open on Jan. 2, 2025.