Gas

Gas-fired generation increased during New England heat waves, EIA says

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), natural gas represented more of the generation mix during both periods compared with the five-year (2019–23) average of 48% for the June 16–23 period and 54% for July 6–13.
Gas-fired generation increased during New England heat waves, EIA says

Electricity generation from gas-fired power increased in New England during heat waves in June and July, according to the latest analysis from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EIA said gas generation made up 56% of New England’s generation mix during the week of the June 16 heat wave, peaking at 61% on June 22. Between July 6 and 13, natural gas-fired electricity averaged 58% of the generation mix.

According to the agency, natural gas represented more of the generation mix during both periods compared with the five-year (2019–23) average of 48% for the June 16–23 period and 54% for July 6–13.

This is despite the closure of the Mystic Generating Station in Massachusetts in June. The Constellation Energy-owned facility was one of the oldest U.S. electric power plants. The 1,413 MW combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plant was also the largest natural gas-fired power plant operating in the region managed by the Independent System Operator New England (ISO-NE).

After its initial filing for retirement in 2018, Mystic operated at low levels, generating only around 20% of its rated capacity. For its last five years, Mystic served as a peaking plant, running mainly during peak-load periods in the winter and summer when there was the most demand.

According to EIA, electricity imported from Canada and New York, as well as use of renewable generation, also increased to meet rising air-conditioning demand in New England during the June and July heat waves.

During the week in June, EIA said imports from New York and Canada accounted for 9% of the electricity mix, while wind, solar, and hydropower generation accounted for 12% of generation and nuclear accounted for 22%.

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