Welcome to Grid Brief! Today we’re looking at power generation and power prices in America’s power markets, with news items where relevant.

What’s Keeping the Lights On?

Let’s start with a snapshot of generation nation-wide:

Natural gas, coal, and nuclear were the top generators in the country this week.

And here’s a map to orient you as we move through the market areas:

ISO-NE

Natural gas, nuclear, and hydro were the stars of New England’s power market this week.

Power prices in New England followed a national trend this week: fewer eye-watering spikes overall compared to last week.

Some New Englanders are still reeling from the arctic blast that hit them earlier in the month; Citizens for Citizens, a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with their power bills, won’t be able to help as many residents in Southeast Massachusetts.

“Congress is on track to allocate $2 billion less for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP, so Massachusetts has been forced to cut the amount of aid it can give people in need,” reports CNN.

PJM

Natural gas, nuclear, and coal kept America’s largest power marketing humming.

PJM saw a price spike in real-time prices on the 29th, but otherwise had a sedate week.

The grid operator has also announced an Executive Director of Government Services.

“PJM announces the appointment of Jason Stanek, former chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission, to the new role of Executive Director – Governmental Services,” reports Yahoo! Finance. “Stanek will report to Sr. Vice President Asim Haque, whose department has been renamed Governmental & Member Services, emphasizing the importance of state and federal governments to PJM. Effective immediately, the State Government Policy and State Solutions teams will report to Stanek.

And Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson has proposed a gas ban for new buildings in the Windy City.

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