January 2026 Winter Storm Impacts on New York Grid

 The January 2026 winter storm tested electric systems nationwide and prompted a review of how increased reliance on renewable energy affects grid stability during extreme weather. This summary focuses on the implications for New York's electric grid in the future as the state aims for a zero-emissions grid by 2040, as stipulated by the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act.

1. Storm Overview:

• The winter storm occurred between January 23-27, 2026, affecting various electric grids, including MISO, ISO-New England, ERCOT, and PJM, without causing blackouts. These events provided insights into the performance of various energy sources during high demand.

2. New York's Grid Analysis:

• Data sourced from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) included fuel-mix and operational metrics to evaluate the storm's impact.

• From January 22-31, 2026, New York’s energy mix consisted of 18% nuclear, 14% hydro, and 61% fossil fuels, revealing only 7% from wind and solar.

3. Impact of Weather Conditions:

• Significant snowfall (8-17 inches) and freezing rain led to substantial reductions in renewable energy generation, particularly solar, which saw no production on January 25.

4. Renewable Energy Challenges:

• The analysis indicated that during prolonged periods of low wind and solar availability (designated as "dark doldrums"), renewables may fail to meet demand. The storm illustrated these risks, supporting the need for reliable energy sources.

5. Need for Dispatchable Emissions-Free Resources (DEFR):

• It was concluded that a new class of energy resources, DEFR, is essential to ensure grid reliability during low renewable production periods. The data highlighted that without DEFR, expected energy demands in future winter storms would result in power shortages.

6. Projected Electric System Capacity:

• Projections for 2040 included various scenarios to achieve a zero emissions electric grid. Calculations showed that without DEFR, the grid would struggle to meet growing winter energy demands influenced by electrification trends.

7. Long-Term Solutions:

• Current projections indicate that at least 20GW of DEFR is necessary to prevent generation shortages under similar winter scenarios in 2040. The lack of commercial DEFR technology is a pressing concern that must be addressed to ensure reliability.

The January 2026 storm underscored the limitations of wind and solar energy during adverse weather conditions, with production dropping significantly. The findings emphasize the urgent need for DEFR to ensure a stable electric grid, especially as New York moves towards its zero-emissions goal. Without reliable backup systems, increased renewable energy usage could lead to significant power challenges.

https://wattsupwiththat.com/2026/02/18/january-2026-winter-storm-impacts-on-new-york-grid/