Kate Lisa reports for New York State of Politics that New York's power grid is ready for the winter season, according to an assessment announced Nov. 28 by New York Independent System Operator. "We're well-positioned to meet this winter's forecast," said Kevin Lanahan, NYISO's vice president of external affairs and corporate communications. New York Independent System Operator estimates a surplus of 1,620 megawatts at peak demand this winter. "The real concern we have is whether or not that's going to impact fuel supplies here in the state," Lanahan said. "Right now, it doesn't look like that's an issue, but the pricing issue is definitely something that we're concerned about and we want to make sure consumers understand going into the heating season." New York residents could see electric bills increase by more than 30 percent this winter compared to last year. "We expect high prices going into the new year," Lanahan said. National Grid estimates a 39 percent price increase for its natural gas customers this winter compared to last. New York Independent System Operator also reported that slowly, the state is moving away from fossil fuels and using more solar and wind power. National Grid spokesperson Patrick Stella said that means more electricity is being used. "There's going to be much more load on these electric systems than there has been in the past, so we're trying to build them," Stella said. "We're trying to build more capacity and early on." Read the full story at New York State of Politics.