Oil Keeps New England's Grid Powered Amid Deep Freeze

Renewable energy sources provided negligible power during the winter storm.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 9:07pm

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As a major winter storm blanketed New England with up to 2 feet of snow and sent temperatures plummeting into the single digits, the regional grid reported that oil-fired power plants were the primary source of electricity, accounting for over 40% of power during peak periods. In contrast, renewable energy sources provided negligible electrical power to the grid.

Why it matters

The heavy reliance on oil-fired generation during extreme winter weather highlights the region's continued dependence on fossil fuels and the challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources, especially during peak demand periods when the grid is most strained.

The details

According to the Independent System Operator (ISO) New England, oil-fired power plants were the dominant source of electricity for the region over the past few days, providing over 43% of the grid's power on Sunday when temperatures reached as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit in Massachusetts. This heavy reliance on oil contrasted with the negligible contribution from renewable energy sources during the deep freeze.

  • The winter storm hit New England on January 28, 2026.
  • Temperatures reached as low as 7 degrees Fahrenheit in Massachusetts on January 29, 2026.

The players

Independent System Operator (ISO) New England

The regional grid operator responsible for managing the electricity grid in the New England states.

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The takeaway

This event highlights the ongoing challenges in transitioning New England's power grid to renewable energy sources, as the region remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, particularly during extreme weather events when electricity demand spikes and the grid is most strained.