Dive Summary:

• The New England region, which relies on natural gas for more than half of its power, may depend much more heavily on oil and coal this winter due to gas being in short supply.
• ISO New England, the region's grid operator, is concerned about gas reliance and operational challenges that may result.
• Increase reliance on natural gas came about as the result of reduced costs made possible by shale gas production.

From the article:

"... Much of the rest of the power in New England comes from its five nuclear reactors, which generate more than 4,600 MW, and hydropower produced in the region or imported from Quebec.

The region has more than 6,000 MW of oil- and 2,000 MW of coal-fired generators, which make up nearly 30 percent of its generating capacity. Those units are seldom called on to provide electricity because of their higher fuel costs, the ISO said. ..."