Shift Key with Robinson Meyer The Power Grid Just Passed Its Biggest Test in Years
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Feb 13, 2026 A deep dive into how an extended Northeast cold snap stretched the power grid and why winter peaks differ from summer ones. Conversation about generator failures, snow-packed solar and reduced wind output during the freeze. An explanation of New England’s heavy short-term use of oil-fired plants and how a new Maine–Quebec transmission line behaved under stress.
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Morning Peaks Limit Solar's Winter Role
- Winter peaks include an early-morning surge before solar can help, making them harder to cover with daytime-charged batteries.
- Batteries still matter because peaks are short (2–3 hours) and can be discharged to cover them.
Seasonal Derating Changes Resource Value
- Resources get derated in winter because weather and fuel constraints reduce their effective contribution to peaks.
- Capacity accreditation needs seasonal recognition to reflect true winter vs summer value.
Winter Demand Is Growing Fastest
- Winter electricity demand is growing about three times faster than summer demand in the U.S. Northeast.
- That accelerates urgency to plan for winter-specific capacity and demand solutions now.