Extremely cold weather and constraints on the power system may combine to affect the reliable operation of the bulk electric system. ISO New England may issue cold weather alerts if these conditions are indicated in our Seven-Day Capacity Forecast.
Specifically, natural gas pipelines can become constrained during severely cold weather as more gas is used for heating homes and businesses and less is available for generating electricity. ISO New England coordinates closely throughout the winter with the regional natural gas industry to identify and respond to these situations.
Cold weather alerts are designed to inform participants in the wholesale electricity market, as well as government regulators.
There are three alert levels based on the severity of the forecast:
ISO New England coordinating closely with operators of natural gas pipelines and natural-gas-fired resources, local control centers, and neighboring regional transmission organizations.
System operators may request that dual-fuel units switch from natural gas to oil to alleviate pipeline constraints. Depending on system conditions, operators may also issue an Abnormal Conditions Alert. Separate procedures are followed in the event that cold weather leads to a capacity deficiency.
Cold weather procedures are detailed in SOP-RTMKTS.0050.0007: Perform Cold Weather Condition Operations.
No action is required. Cold weather alerts are notifications primarily for power generators and other organizations with direct connections to the New England electrical grid.
