Mystic Power Station

Hidden in plain sight, the Mystic Power Station has quietly powered the Boston metropolitan area for decades. The Mystic Power Station isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to Boston’s evolving energy needs. Located in Charlestown, just north of the bustling city, the Mystic Power Station has been a constant presence since the 1940s. Originally, it hummed with simple-cycle units fueled by petroleum and natural gas. The plant underwent a major transformation in 2003. The older units were retired, making way for two modern combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units. These boosted its capacity to an impressive 1,413 megawatts. This made Mystic the largest natural gas-fired power plant in the region managed by ISO-New England. The Mystic Power Station played a crucial role, ensuring the lights stayed on in homes and businesses across the city. The Mystic Power Station wasn’t always destined for a quiet retirement. In 2018, Exelon, the then-owner, filed plans to retire the plant. They cited declining profitability. ISO-NE recognized Mystic’s importance for fuel security and system reliability, particularly in the Boston area. They intervened, requiring the plant to remain operational until May 31, 2024. In its final years, the Mystic Power Station primarily operated as a peaking plant. It roared to life during periods of peak demand. These typically occurred during the cold winter months and the hot summers. It provided the extra power needed for heating and air conditioning. Constellation Energy, the final owner of Mystic, had initially intended to close the adjacent Everett LNG terminal along with the power plant. The terminal, specifically designed to supply Mystic’s natural gas needs, also served other customers in the region. The potential loss of this gas supply raised concerns about price spikes and supply shortages. New England often experiences these issues, especially during winter, due to pipeline constraints. Ultimately, new long-term supply contracts allowed the Everett terminal to remain open, even after Mystic’s retirement. These contracts secured natural gas for several New England utilities through 2030. The Mystic Power Station’s story concluded on May 31, 2024. The plant may be gone. But its legacy as a reliable energy provider lives on in the memories of those who relied on its power.