PRESS RELEASE | New York Electric Grid Prepared for Forecasted Extreme Winter Conditions but Fuel Security Concerns Remain
Rensselaer, NY – Adequate generating capacity is in place to meet electricity demand under forecasted extreme winter conditions for the period of Saturday, January 24 through Thursday, January 29, according to the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
However, as stated in the NYISO’s 2025-2026 Winter Assessment, the NYISO will be carefully monitoring fuel security for generators due to the extreme cold temperatures expected to grip the eastern half of the country.
“Our assessment finds there are adequate resources to serve demand on the grid under forecasted conditions, but we’ve also seen generators in recent winters challenged with accessing adequate fuel capacity during very cold conditions,” said Aaron Markham, Vice President of Operations for the New York Independent System Operator. “We continue to work closely with power producers, utility companies, and neighboring grid operators to assess the status of generating and transmission capacity in advance of the cold snap.”
NYISO operators monitor regional fuel supplies and survey most generating stations to review preparations for the winter, including fuel switching capabilities, fuel procurement and cold-weather preventative maintenance. Additionally, there is close and ongoing coordination between the NYISO and government agencies, utilities, regulators, grid operators, and natural gas industry organizations.
As of Friday, January 23, the forecasted peak demand during the cold snap is as follows:
- Saturday, January 24: 23,230 megawatts
- Sunday, January 25: 23,090 megawatts
- Monday, January 26: 23,600 megawatts
- Tuesday, January 27: 24,180 megawatts
- Wednesday, January 28: 24,330 megawatts
- Thursday, January 29: 24,450 megawatts
According to NYISO’s 2025-2026 Winter Assessment, 29,893 megawatts (MW) of power resources are available to serve load across the state. That analysis also forecasted peak winter demand to reach 24,200 MW. If necessary, NYISO operators can dispatch up to an additional 2,159 MW through emergency operating procedures to maintain reliability during the cold snap.
The all-time record for winter peak demand was 25,738 MW on January 7, 2014.
NYISO operates the bulk electric system under the nation’s strictest reliability standards. System reliability requirements are established, maintained, and enforced by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, North American Electric Reliability Corporation, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, and the New York State Reliability Council.
About the New York ISO
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) is a not-for-profit corporation responsible for operating the bulk electricity grid, administering the competitive wholesale electricity markets, conducting comprehensive long-term planning, and advancing the technological infrastructure of the electric system serving the Empire State.