5 Ways to Avoid Transmission Congestion

Transmission planning area
January 21, 2025

As the energy landscape rapidly transforms, managing transmission congestion and ensuring system reliability is more crucial than ever. Here are five effective strategies to avoid congestion, based on insights from Ulteig’s experts, Technical Manager Omer Vejzovic and Energy Market Modeling Engineer Andrew Kramer, Ph.D, CEM, CMVP, REP.

  1. Strategic Load Placement

The placement of large loads ideally should be near low-cost energy sources to maximize efficiency and reliability. In this regard, thermal generation often has an advantage due to its consistent output compared to the fluctuating generation of renewable energy sources. While adding transmission lines can help alleviate congestion, the costs involved can be significant.

  1. Advanced Modeling Techniques

Utilizing advanced modeling techniques is key to understanding how various loads will impact the local and larger system. By generating detailed load profiles for different scenarios, planners can create robust system designs. Think of it like building with Lego blocks: each piece (the generators, load and lines) must fit perfectly to manage transmission congestion effectively.

  1. Infrastructure Impact Assessment

Regular assessments of existing infrastructure are essential. Conducting thermal and voltage analyses helps evaluate whether systems can handle new loads. Contingency analyses also ensure resilience during outages. By considering these factors, utilities can make informed decisions that mitigate transmission congestion and risk.

  1. Navigating Regulatory Landscapes

Regulatory compliance is vital for capacity expansion and congestion management. Collaborating with regulatory teams helps avoid conflicts and ensures adherence to generator construction guidelines. Compliance with standards like NERC’s TPL-001 is crucial for accommodating future load additions.

  1. Embracing Future Innovations

As energy demand evolves — especially with the rise of AI data centers and electrification — load placement strategies must adapt. Innovative, location-specific planning will be essential to address demand constraints. Additionally, renewable advancement, implementing battery storage solutions and exploring hydrogen and natural gas generation are strategies that balance regulatory demands with eco-friendly objectives.

Final Thoughts

Managing transmission congestion in energy systems is complex but vital. By employing strategic load placement, advanced modeling, thorough assessments, regulatory collaboration and embracing future innovations, utilities can effectively navigate the changing energy landscape. With the right planning, we can secure a reliable and enduring energy future.

Your Partner in Transmission Planning

At Ulteig, over 50% of our Energy Market and Capacity Expansion Modeling team members have utility experience, highlighting our commitment to effective and resilient solutions. We leverage advanced tools to present data clearly and consistently publish peer-reviewed research on the subject.

Contact us today for your transmission planning needs.

  • Energy, Transmission Planning

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