In 2024, Solar Contributed to the New England Grid Like Never Before

Control room staff at ISO New England monitor the weather and energy demand on the grid.
Control room staff at ISO New England monitor the weather and energy demand on the grid.
Trace Meek on behalf of ISO New England
Share
Control room staff at ISO New England monitor the weather and energy demand on the grid.
Control room staff at ISO New England monitor the weather and energy demand on the grid.
Trace Meek on behalf of ISO New England
In 2024, Solar Contributed to the New England Grid Like Never Before
Copy

ISO New England is reporting that for the first time in a single year, it has recorded over 100 days in which energy demand actually went down in the middle of the day due to solar use.

In 2024, 106 days were characterized as “duck curve days,” named after a curve in the energy usage graph that loosely resembles waterfowl in profile. These are times in which energy demand dips in the middle of the day.

“Typically, in years past, we would think that the overnights would be when we would see less energy demand, right? Because most folks in New England are sleeping at that time,” said Mary Cate Colapietro, a spokesperson for ISO New England.

Colapietro said these instances are a direct result of increased solar usage.

“Midday energy demand was lower than it was overnight,” she said. “And this is happening because of the adoption of what’s called behind the meter solar, which are these smaller scale systems that often are on folks as rooftops, or sometimes you’ll see them on top of commercial buildings or by parking lots.”

Duck days have been on the rise since ISO New England first started tracking ‘duck days’ about six years ago. In 2022, there were 45, and in 2023, there were 73 duck days. Colapietro said the trend is expected to continue in the coming decade.

Maine Public’s Climate Desk is made possible by Androscoggin bank, with additional support from Evergreen Home Performance, Bigelow Laboratory, & Lee Auto Malls.

This story was originally published by Maine Public. It was shared as part of the New England News Collaborative.

Advocates have tried for years to make changes to the Access to Public Records Act, but it was last modernized in 2012
For more than a decade, researchers at the University of Rhode Island have built real-time mapping and modeling tools that help local officials — and residents — better understand, prepare for, and respond to extreme weather driven by climate change
President Trump said he wasn’t ‘afraid of boots on the ground,’ and defended Saturday’s military strikes that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife
The Venezuelan government swiftly accused the United States of launching what it called a ‘grave military aggression’ against the country
Pastel de Salmão are crispy, golden turnovers filled with a savory, seasoned fish and veggie mixture — simple to make and full of flavor. Using pantry staples and the air fryer, this recipe delivers crunchy, satisfying bites perfect for snacks, meals, or sharing.
Looking for an easy dessert that’s light, flavorful, and naturally flour-free? This citrus cake delivers fresh, sunny flavor with minimal effort. It bakes up soft and fragrant, making it just as good with coffee in the morning as it is for dessert.