Annual publication from the New York Independent System Operator signals need for new energy development powered by competitive markets
The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) released Power Trends 2026, its annual report on forces shaping the electric grid and wholesale electricity markets. The report urges an “all-of-the-above” investment approach to developing new generation resources, guided and supported by the power of competitive electric markets.
The report details how electrification of the building and transportation sectors, along with the growth of large energy-intensive projects, is accelerating demand and placing new strains on the grid. At the same time, retirements and performance challenges among aging resources are reducing the system’s margin for error, underscoring the need for timely and sustained investment across a broad range of resource types.
“New York is at a defining moment for its electric system, comparable to the periods that first built and expanded the grid that powers our economy today,” said NYISO President and CEO Rich Dewey. “An all-of-the-above approach to investment, supported by effective competitive electric markets, is needed now to maintain system reliability and support the state’s economic and environmental goals.”
Power Trends 2026 emphasizes that competitive wholesale electricity markets are central to enabling this approach. The markets provide transparent price signals that guide development to where resources are needed on the system most. Markets incentivize generator performance during periods of system stress. Most important at a time of rising industry costs, competitive electric markets allocate financial risk to private developers rather than electricity consumers. Power Trends 2026 shows how this framework supports the development of a diverse resource mix capable of meeting evolving system needs while helping to manage costs.
The report identifies several key trends impacting system reliability and long-term planning:
• Declining reliability margins: Generator retirements and performance challenges among aging resources are outpacing the addition of new supply, narrowing the system’s margin for error during periods of stress.
• Rapid and uncertain load growth: Large energy‑intensive projects and electrification are increasing demand and complicating forecasts, particularly as load patterns evolve.
• Shifting seasonal risks: Winter conditions are emerging as a defining reliability challenge, with fuel constraints and rising winter demand increasing system stress.
• A changing resource mix: Growth in renewable generation and storage, combined with the retirement of conventional resources, is altering the operational characteristics of the grid and increasing dependence on weather‑dependent supply.
• Expanding system uncertainty: The interaction of electrification, large load growth, extreme weather, and project timing is widening the range of potential future system conditions, reinforcing the need for scenario-based planning.
To address these challenges, Power Trends 2026 underscores the importance of advancing a broad portfolio of resources including generation, storage, transmission, and demand-side solutions capable of providing reliable and flexible performance during extended periods of high demand.
To learn more, read Power Trends 2026.
Visit the Power Trends 2026 landing page to download additional materials.
