Understanding the Power Generation Mix

The combination of power generation, also known as the combination of electricity, is the mix of various fuels used to generate electricity in a given geographical region. It is still dominated by coal globally, and is one of the three components that make up total energy production, alongside transport and heating. Offshore wind energy produces its highest output during the winter, however winter storms can limit solar energy production if high wind speeds force plant operators to shut down to protect equipment. To combat this, several states have established public policies that direct electricity companies to sign long-term contracts to obtain carbon-free energy on a large scale.

Solar and wind energy, which are barely visible in the energy mix, are beginning to be important in the combination of power generation. Automobile producers are also generating electricity wholly or partially for their own use. With deadlines looming, states are eager for a faster transformation of the electricity grid to renewable energy and for the electrification of the economy as a whole. Nuclear, oil, and coal generators are critical on colder winter days when natural gas supply is limited.

The combination of energy should not be confused with the combination of power generation (also known as the combination of electricity). Hydroelectric energy is not included in the category of renewable energies mainly because of the various sources that make up hydroelectric generation. Read about solar energy in New England, its growth, locations and effects on the system, as well as how the ISO is addressing related challenges. For nearly 25 years, New England's wholesale electricity markets have attracted billions of dollars in private investment in some of the country's most efficient and lowest emitting energy resources, providing reliable electricity every second of every day, reducing wholesale prices and displacing investment costly.

remove consumer risk and reduce carbon emissions. Learn more about solar energy in New England, its growth, locations and effects on the system, as well as how the ISO is addressing related challenges. These primary energy sources are used to generate energy; in physics, power is defined as the amount of energy supplied by a system per unit of time. Nearly half of the region's electricity generation capacity uses natural gas as the main fuel (about 15,000 MW), and natural gas-fired power plants produce almost half of the grid electricity consumed in a year. Other options include wind energy for small and medium-sized projects; solar energy; and biomass, which is energy produced from waste products such as rice husks, animal waste and crop waste.

Learn how ISO New England is actively seeking innovations to help create a more efficient, responsive and reliable system that can manage expanded renewable energy generation and smart grid technology.