NYISO's Winter Readiness Assessment: Adequate Capacity but Concerns Remain Under Extreme Weather

RENSSELAER, NY (11/14/2025) (readMedia)-- Adequate capacity is in place 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 findings also highlight concerns over fuel security for generators during extreme weather events.

"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. "In general, winter reliability of the grid is a growing concern, especially during extended cold snaps and other extreme weather."

The NYISO's 2025-2026 Winter Assessment found that 29,893 megawatts (MW) of power resources are available to meet a forecasted peak demand of 24,200 MW. Last winter, peak demand reached 23,521 MW on January 22, 2025.

NYISO monitors regional fuel supplies and surveys most generating stations to review preparations for the upcoming winter, including fuel switching capabilities, fuel procurement and cold-weather preventative maintenance. Seasonal and weekly fuel surveys indicate that oil and dual fuel-based generation have sufficient start-of-winter oil inventories, but lower than past years' inventories.

There is also close and ongoing coordination by the NYISO 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.

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.