On January 14, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET, NASEO will host a webinar for all members on the challenges with winter peaking, natural gas, and electrification in the Northeast.

As the Northeast enters the winter season, attention turns again to the resources needed to satisfy electricity demand during extreme temperature conditions. The region continues to grapple with having sufficient fuel available for those power plants needed to generate electricity during extended periods of extremely cold weather – peaker plants using natural gas and oil. Natural gas pipeline constraints can limit the availability of fuel for natural-gas-fired power plants. Additionally, natural gas, propane, and heating oil are also needed to satisfy home heating demands, further complicating meeting consumer needs for power and heat during extreme temperatures. As the Northeastern states are looking to intensify electrification of heating systems over the next decades, an analysis of how the winter peak will change and how consumer demands during extreme temperatures in the winter can be met is important and timely. The webinar will examine the processes and outcomes expected of the transition from heating oil and natural gas homes to biodiesel-based liquid fuels and all-electric heated homes in the region, and what such a transition might look like. The webinar will explore which options should be considered and what hybrid systems might be suitable as alternatives to complete electrification.

Speakers for the event include:

• Patrick Woodcock, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources
• John Huber, President, National Oilheat Research Alliance
• Richard Sweetser, President, Exergy Partners Corp. 
• Dr. Asa Hopkins, Vice President, Synapse

To register for the webinar, please click here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please direct any questions to Campbell Delahoyde or Kirsten Verclas.