ISO New England CEO Warns of Continued Need for Gas Power Amid Energy Transition
ISO New England's CEO, Gordon van Welie, emphasized the necessity of maintaining gas-fired generation resources amid rising demand and insufficient new supply, as gas accounted for 55% of the region's generation in 2024. He projected that electrification could increase annual electric usage significantly by 2034, while also highlighting small modular reactors as a potential clean energy solution, despite cost concerns. The New England Clean Energy Connect project aims to enhance the region's energy mix by importing 1,200 MW of hydroelectric power from Quebec.
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ISO New England's departing CEO, Gordon van Welie, stated that the region will need to maintain its gas-fired generation resources over the next decade due to increasing demand and a lack of new supply. Gas generation accounted for 55% of the region’s total generation in 2024.
Van Welie expressed concerns about reliability as electrification-driven demand is projected to increase annual electric usage from 117,262 GWh in 2025 to 130,665 GWh by 2034. He highlighted small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential clean energy source, though cost remains a concern.
A report indicated that New England could achieve 85% of its emissions reduction goals by 2045 through solar, wind, and battery storage, but SMRs could significantly reduce capacity requirements. The New England Clean Energy Connect project is set to bring 1,200 MW of hydroelectric power from Quebec, following a contentious permitting process. Net imports from Canada constituted 9% of the region's energy load in 2024.
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