During the recent extended cold weather following Winter Storm Fern, the Northeast energy system operated under sustained stress as demand for both natural gas and electricity remained elevated for an extended period. Throughout this period, NGA worked closely with industry partners and government agencies to support coordination, situational awareness, and reliable operations across the natural gas and electric sectors.

Inter-Industry Coordination

In advance of Winter Storm Fern, NGA’s Gas Supply Task Force, chaired by Caroline Hon VP, National Grid and Chair, NGA Board of Directors, met on January 16 and has remained in ongoing communication with members since that time, hosting multiple meetings, and surveying members throughout the extended cold. NGA remains prepared to convene the Task Force at any point should conditions warrant additional coordination. Notably, the Gas Supply Task Force Communications and Public Relations Subcommittee was convened for the first time in several winters to create an avenue for communication between public affairs professionals across the region. As a result of this subcommittee's work, NGA published an op-ed which appeared in several Connecticut newspapers.

In addition, NGA opened lines of communication with production industry representatives in the Marcellus Shale to help ensure open lines of coordination between upstream natural gas supply interests and downstream markets in the Northeast, should the need arise.

Electric-Gas Coordination

NGA and ISO New England jointly chair the regional Electric-Gas Operations Committee (EGOC). Prior to Winter Storm Fern, the EGOC was convened. The meeting included updates from the three regional ISOs, the Northeast Power Coordinating Council, regional natural gas pipelines, and representatives from the liquid fuels sector. Local distribution companies were also present on the call. As a courtesy and for situational awareness, NGA invited PHMSA and the American Gas Association to observe the discussion.

Throughout the duration of the cold weather event, NGA stayed in regular communication with our electric industry partners, including ISO-NE.

Communication with Federal and State Regulators

Beginning Friday, January 23, at the invitation of the American Gas Association, NGA began participating in the U.S. Department of Energy’s daily Unity of Effort storm coordination calls, providing updates on regional conditions. These calls continued through the duration of the cold weather event, ensuring regular information sharing among federal agencies and industry participants.

As cold weather conditions persist, NGA coordinated regularly state regulatory bodies, including with the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) regarding hours-of-service considerations, including as they pertain to trucking natural gas. Working with our members, NGA petitioned DOER for an hours of service waiver extension, which was granted through February 24, 2026.

Following each Gas Supply Task Force meeting, NGA sent an update to relevant state, and federal regulators and government officials to keep them apprised of the status of the regional gas industry operations.

Throughout the severe weather and extended cold, the Northeast’s natural gas industry met the needs of our region, reliably supplying natural gas to our customers. NGA appreciates the continued collaboration among its members and partners during this period and remains committed to supporting reliable energy operations across the region.