Massachusetts Experiences Second ‘Power Caution’ Advisory

A "power caution" advisory doesn't rise to the level of an immediate emergency; however, it is a warning sign that consumers of energy in Massachusetts and throughout New England should be aware of, especially those who make energy policy decisions and those who pay utility bills.

ISO New England, the regional power grid operator, issued a power caution advisory on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the second such advisory since June 14, 2025.

ISO New England, Inc. (ISO-NE) is an independent, nonprofit regional transmission organization based in Holyoke, Massachusetts, that serves the six New England states by operating the region's bulk electric power system, as well as its generation and transmission lines.

ISO-NE issued the alert, not considered a "system emergency," as a caution "due to the loss of generation capacity."

State House News Service (SHNS) reported that ISO-NE explained in a statement that "The timing of the generation loss, coupled with consumer demand being slightly higher than expected, meant other resources could not immediately fill the gap."

SHNS said ISO did not identify specific generators "per the ISO Information Policy."

"The unexpected generation loss occurred at about 5:41 p.m., leaving the region unable to meet its operating reserve requirements," ISO said in the statement released the following day.

According to SHNS, "The grid operator said system operators maintained system reliability during the shortage period, and the power caution period ended at 7 p.m. An abnormal system conditions alert remained in effect until 9 p.m."

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Days before the incident, ISO-NEW anticipated having sufficient resources to meet the expected demand for electricity this winter.

The advisory is concerning to some who may be worried about what is expected to be a costly heating season ahead, and those still trying to figure out why Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey now denies having bragged about stopping two gas pipelines from coming to Massachusetts, remarks that were captured on video during her campaign for governor.