Electric rates in NE going up?

Discussion in 'Environmental Discussion' started by bwilson4web, Feb 11, 2026 at 3:49 PM.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Source: Extreme cold disrupts Hydro-Québec exports to Massachusetts during spike in power use - Montreal | Globalnews.ca

    By Stéphane Rolland The Canadian Press Posted January 30, 2026 11:45 am
    Updated January 30, 2026 2:58 pm

    Extreme cold forced Hydro- Québec to temporarily suspend its energy exports to Massachusetts just one week after inaugurating its new line.

    [​IMG]
    Hydro- Québec and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs both confirmed the news, which was first reported by specialized media outlet E&E News.

    The decision came as last weekend’s polar vortex led to a significant increase in demand in Quebec . There is also less water in Hydro-Québec’s reservoirs at the moment due to a three-year drought.

    “During peak periods, the needs of our customers in Quebec are prioritized,” Hydro- Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said Thursday in an email.

    The utility said it suspended deliveries to Massachusetts over the weekend and for one hour on Tuesday morning.

    Are there any regional reports on the impact or too soon? Historically, the NorthEastern USA has had high electricity costs, nearly double the $0.12/kWh paid in Huntsville AL. These higher electric rates made EVs less of a bargain. So just curious.

    Bob Wilson

    ps. There are some "hair on fire" political news about changes in March but it ain't March yet. TACO may yet save the day.
     
  2. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    Gotta be fake news, because He promised that electric prices would be cut in half:

    “Under my administration, we will be slashing energy and electricity prices by half within 12 months, at a maximum 18 months”
    -Trump Rally in North Carolina, August 14, 2024.

    “We’re going to get your energy prices down. We’re going to get your energy prices down by 50%.”

    -Trump speaks at campaign rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, August 17, 2024.


    = = = = = =

    A couple weeks ago, the Secretary of Interior introduced a new mascot to solve our energy issues: Coalie!

    Screenshot 2026-02-11 132124.jpg

    Screenshot 2026-02-11 132103.jpg
     
    #2 fuzzy1, Feb 11, 2026 at 4:12 PM
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2026 at 4:22 PM
  3. tochatihu

    tochatihu Senior Member

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    "Are there any regional reports on the impact or too soon?" If Hydro Quebec sells to New York, it would be hit hardest. But I don't know their wiring diagram. Too cold for hydroelectric should go away very soon, but they also have less storage from drought, which is a slower problem.

    --

    Statewise and national historical data:

    Electricity Rates by State (February 2026)
    U.S. Electricity Prices (1978-2025)

    Depending on where new data centers get built, supply and demand will rebalance

    --
    Coalie looks sillie, but Burgum did some good things in North Dakota that merit attention. He's just riding with the wrong gang now. Recovery later is certainly possible for a person not locked into ideology.
     
  4. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    NE expecting high elec/gas bills in the mail.
     
  5. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    LSSC introduced a companion for Coalie: Black Lungie - -

    Black Lungie.png
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    I haven't read anything recently.
    there has been outrage about utility pricing over the last few years in ma. the pols react to voters by criticizing energy providers, but they can't or won't do anything about them. they even replaced the utility commission members to no avail.
    utilities agreed to limit winter bills, allowing for repayment over the summer. big deal. then, they said there would be interest added to the payments :cool:
    we probably need some new laws limiting profits. but what a can of worms that might open.
     
    Merkey likes this.