A bleak energy market will only become worse if the world’s liquified natural gas supply tightens. On Oct. 17, Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency Director Casey Stevens reported about a regional energy conservation plan in case of a “colder than usual winter.” Stevens told county commissioners that ISO New England, the independent systems operator controlling the regional power grid, is reporting a current natural gas shortage. In a recent press release, ISO New England reported there is enough natural gas for a “mild winter.”

“I want to talk to you about the fuel shortage. Natural gas accounts for 50%-60% of New England’s electricity. There is a real concern there will be a shortage this winter. There is also some talk about shortages with No. 2 heating fuel and K-1,” Stevens said.

In preparation for a prolonged winter energy shortage, Sagadahoc joined Lincoln County in an emergency preparedness exercise early this month. The two counties began planning ways to stretch their energy supply focusing on conservation. “It will be important to continue emergency services especially during a fuel shortage. We’re taking a look at where we can conserve, and hopefully continue emergency operations throughout the winter,” Stevens said.

The preparedness exercise included county workshops where department heads consider ways to conserve energy. “We are trying to get ahead of the game. Fuel prices will be expensive, that is, if you can get it,” he said. Regional conservation efforts are also extending into the private sectors. Lincoln County is encouraging residents and businesses to prepare for a hard winter. Lincoln County is posting a preparedness plan to help the public deal with a fuel shortage or worse. “We’re encouraging people to come up with alternative ways to heat their homes by thinking outside the box,” he said. “If there is no K1, you may need to winterize your home, or move in with family or friends to split the cost. For the average family, there isn’t a lot they can really do.”