Wholesale electricity costs were 4% lower in the summer of 2026 than the previous year, according to ISO New England’s Internal Market Monitor, the grid operator reported on Nov. 10.
The Summer 2026 Quarterly Markets Report, which covers the period from June 1 to Aug. 31, presents an assessment of each of the region’s wholesale electricity markets, based on market data, performance criteria, and independent studies.
Key findings include:
- The total estimated wholesale market cost of electricity was $2.52 billion, down from $2.61 billion in summer 2025.
- Energy costs totaled $2.23 billion, a 1% decrease from summer 2025. Average demand was up 1% year over year while peak demand was down 3%.
- While average natural gas prices were down 22%, to $2.56 per million British thermal units, emissions costs for the average natural gas generator in the region increased by 89%.
- Net imports increased while gas-fired generation declined. This continues a trend since the beginning of the year that is largely attributable to imports over the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line.
- Wind generation increased from 300 MW on average in summer 2025 to 500 MW in summer 2026, driven by new offshore wind capacity.
The report is available on ISO-NE's website.
