Electricity consumption in New England is slated to increase 9% by 2035.
The estimate is slightly lower than the previous year’s prediction, but Friday report from Holyoke-based power grid administrator ISO New England Inc. predicted New England’s general electric usage will cease a two-decade decline. This is because carbon emissions reductions incentive programs are increasing the use of electric heating and transportation systems.
Because of this, winter electricity usage may soon rival summer electrical peaks, which surge in large part because of air conditioning.
According to ISO, New England’s 2026 electricity usage is projected to be 116,679 gigawatt hours; 2035’s is projected to be 127,660 gigawatt hours.
Monica Benevides is a correspondent for Worcester Business Journal.
