New England Grid Operator Projects 11 Percent Rise in Annual Electricity Demand Over Next Decade Amid Electrification Push

Electricity use in New England is set to grow over the next decade, reversing a long-standing trend of declining demand. Annual electricity consumption in the region is projected to rise by 11 percent through 2034, with most of the increase attributed to the growing use of electric vehicles and heating systems, according to a new report released on May 1 by ISO New England, the region’s grid operator.

Since 2005, overall power consumption in New England has fallen steadily, thanks to widespread energy efficiency programs, improved building systems, and a sharp increase in rooftop solar installations. However, that trend is expected to reverse over the next decade. As states pursue aggressive climate goals, more residents and businesses are expected to switch from fossil fuels to electric alternatives, especially for heating and transportation, which is likely to push overall demand higher.

The report, known as the 2025 Forecast Report of Capacity, Energy, Loads, and Transmission (2025 CELT Report), is one of the region’s most important planning documents. It offers a detailed look at expected changes in electricity use and peak demand over the next decade. The new edition features updated methods, including an hourly forecasting model that better captures shifts in how and when people use electricity.

One of the more significant findings is the expected rise in winter peak demand. Historically, New England’s highest electricity use has come during hot summer afternoons. By 2034, however, the region’s winter peaks could rival or even surpass summer levels, driven largely by electric heating. The report predicts that winter demand will grow by nearly 3 percent each year, compared to under 1 percent for summer peaks.

Though the outlook for electric vehicles was adjusted slightly downward, reflecting slower-than-expected adoption so far, both EV charging and heating electrification remain central to the region’s energy transition. Together, they are set to reshape the region’s electricity demand patterns — and the challenges grid operators will need to manage in the years ahead.