PRESS RELEASE | NYISO's Winter Readiness Assessment Finds Adequate Capacity, but Highlights Fuel Availability Risks
Rensselaer, NY – Adequate capacity is available to meet electricity demand under forecasted conditions for the coming winter, according to the New York Independent System Operator’s (NYISO) annual Winter Assessment. However, the grid operator warns that fuel availability and other operational challenges could present reliability concerns during periods of extreme cold weather.
“We expect sufficient resources to meet electricity demand this winter, but fuel availability remains a major concern, especially during prolonged cold when natural gas supplies become constrained just as we experienced during Winter Storm Fern,” said Aaron Markham, Vice President of Operations for the New York Independent System Operator.
During Winter Storm Fern and the prolonged cold that followed in late January and early February 2026, sustained electricity demand, constrained natural gas supplies, and generator outages created tight supply conditions. The NYISO relied on oil-fired and dual-fuel generators and activated demand response programs for six consecutive days to help maintain reliability.
The NYISO’s 2026-2027 Winter Assessment finds that 29,464 megawatts (MW) of power resources are available to meet a forecasted peak demand of 24,620 MW. Last winter, peak demand reached 24,317 MW on February 7, 2026. The all-time winter peak of 25,738 MW was set on January 7, 2014.
Winter preparedness by the NYISO begins well before cold weather arrives. The NYISO monitors regional fuel supplies and surveys generators about fuel procurement, cold-weather preventative maintenance, and their ability to switch fuels and operate on oil when natural gas is constrained. The NYISO’s seasonal assessment evaluates whether available resources can meet forecasted electricity demand and required operating reserves under normal and extreme weather conditions, including scenarios with limited natural gas availability.
Throughout the winter, seasonal and weekly generator surveys help the NYISO track fuel inventories and deliveries and identify potential supply concerns. Ahead of severe cold, operators work with power producers, utilities, and neighboring grid operators to assess the availability of generation and transmission resources. These measures help operators anticipate operating challenges and maintain reliable service as weather and fuel conditions change. Current surveys indicate oil-fired and dual-fuel generators have fuel on order for the start of winter, although regional inventories are expected to be lower than in previous years.
The NYISO will continue coordinating with New York State agencies, other grid operators, and the natural gas industry, including the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the Natural Gas Supply Association, and the Northeast Gas Association. This coordination supports a shared understanding of regional fuel conditions and potential supply constraints, helping the NYISO prepare for and respond to winter operating challenges.
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.