NEWS: Petroleum electricity generation surpassed natural gas in New England during winter storm

New England’s grid went back to the 20th century to survive this winter storm. (EIA)

  • For nearly two days during Winter Storm Fern, petroleum surpassed natural gas as New England's primary source of electricity—a massive spike for a fuel that typically accounts for less than 1% of total US power.

  • For context: About 41% of the region's natural gas capacity is "dual-fuel," meaning plants can switch to burning distillate fuel oil when natural gas supplies are constrained or diverted for home heating.

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