February 2011
ISO-NE
In the 2010 Regional System Plan, ISO New England (ISO) forecasted the state’s overall electricity demand to grow at a rate of 1.1% annually over the next decade, slightly above the 0.9% rate projected for New England. The ISO forecasted the state’s peak (summer) demand to grow 1.4% annually over the next decade—equal to the rate projected for the region.
Massachusetts Division of Energy implements new solar initiative
TThe Massachusetts Division of Energy announced a new plan to promote the installation of 400 megawatts of solar power. The plan will require all power sellers to include 1% of their power portfolio from solar resources on January 1, 2010. The initiative will stimulate the growth of solar installations and help consumers reduce the cost of installations.
US Energy Information Agency Short Term Energy Outlook
U.S. Natural Gas Prices.The Henry Hub spot price averaged $4.49 per MMBtu in January, 2011, $0.24 per MMBtu greater than the average spot price in December 2010 ( Henry Hub Natural Gas Price Chart). EIA expects that the Henry Hub spot price will average $4.16 per MMBtu in 2011, a drop of $0.22 per MMBtu from the 2010 average. EIA expects the natural gas market to begin to tighten in 2012, with the Henry Hub spot price increasing to an average of $4.58 per MMBtu.
