As Summer Power Demand Builds, National Grid’s Work to Keep Massachusetts Running Is Already Underway

As electricity demand rises heading into the summer cooling season, National Grid is already taking steps to reduce risk, improve the customer experience, and support businesses and economic activity across the Commonwealth, helping bring energy to power possibilities for customers and communities. Investments in system reliability, coupled with proactive planning and newer technologies, help minimize disruptions and avoid costs that ultimately impact customers.

Demand on the system continues to grow, driven not only by warmer temperatures but by broader shifts in how energy is used across Massachusetts. Increased air conditioning, electrification of buildings and transportation, and economic growth all contribute to higher and more concentrated demand during peak periods.

To stay ahead of these changes, National Grid analyzes energy usage trends, models peak demand scenarios, and identifies where the system is most likely to face pressure. Those insights guide targeted investments to strengthen infrastructure where it matters most. By investing ahead of peak demand, National Grid can reduce the likelihood of outages, limit recovery costs, and support a more affordable energy system.

Those plans translate into action well before the first heat wave. Crews across the state inspect equipment, upgrade key assets, and reinforce parts of the network that carry the highest loads. Vegetation management and preventative maintenance further reduce the risk of outages during periods of high demand. 

Planned maintenance continues throughout the summer, often visible to customers as crews working in neighborhoods or brief, scheduled outages designed to support long-term reliability.

Behind the scenes, system monitoring has become increasingly advanced. Real-time data and forecasting tools help National Grid identify potential issues early, allowing teams to act before problems escalate. The goal is straightforward: manage risk before customers feel it.

National Grid is also expanding the use of advanced automation, including Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR). This technology detects issues on the system, isolates the problem, and restores power to unaffected customers within seconds. Today, FLISR serves more than 35% of Massachusetts customers and has restored service in under a minute during major weather events over the past year, reducing outage time and allowing crews to focus where they are needed most. 

As demand patterns evolve, margins for error become smaller, reinforcing the need for a more proactive approach. Early investment and targeted upgrades help ensure the system can perform when demand is highest. 

Much of this work is local. Crews maintain and strengthen National Grid’s infrastructure in the same communities they serve, helping ensure reliable service during the most demanding conditions.

When temperatures rise, preparation is put to the test. By focusing on prevention and investing ahead of peak demand, National Grid can minimize disruptions and reinforce that a more reliable system is also a more cost-effective one.

Behind that outcome is a coordinated effort across National Grid’s planning, operations, and field teams, all working to keep Massachusetts running and bring energy to power possibilities for the communities they serve.

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