Shifting towards a just, equitable, and climate-focused future for New England and the Northeast is contingent upon reshaping delivery of electricity over the regional grid. Electricity grid should serve the needs of a fully electrified economy and embrace newer, cleaner, and more advanced energy technologies. This must be done by prioritizing customer needs, especially those communities that endure a disproportionate burden of the detrimental effects of energy.
Who's Got the Power Now?
The Independent System Operator of New England (ISO-NE) is a non-profit entity that serves all 6 New England states.
ISO manages the wholesale electricity market and ensures reliable and cost-effective electricity to consumers.
When ISO was first created, the electricity was much less clean and came from plants fueled by nuclear, hydropower, coal, and oil (and was mostly owned and managed by for-profit organizations). Now ISO meets regional demands with gas-fueled power plants, as fracked gas evolved to be cheaper and cleaner than previous options.
What's Needed & What's Next?
In order to assure equitable distribution of care, we must prioritize clean and affordable sources of electricity and invest in emerging technologies to restructure the grid. This calls for fundamental reform within the existing system, and shifting of current power dynamics.
New England governors launched the Energy Vision Initiative, which is a commitment for State officials to be transparent about what goes on behind closed doors and their willingness to long-term change.
In order to account for environmental justice and equity, the states convened the fourth and final forum designed to give voice to front-line communities and prompt dialogue between the public and state policymakers.
This initiative pushes for a clean energy future, while maintaining accountability, transparency, fairness, and equity.
