Calculating Available Transfer Capacity: New Methods & Tech Enhancements
- LandGate
- May 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Effective planning and optimization are essential for energy management and grid reliability. At LandGate, we aim to simplify these complexities. We leverage the latest energy planning models to provide actionable insights for businesses and utilities. Our advanced tools offer cutting-edge features for injection transfer capacity analysis and load-serving capacity analysis. These tools help identify thermal overloads and estimate the costs associated with addressing them. But that is only the beginning.
We are excited to introduce a powerful new feature to our platform. It allows for Energy Resource (ERIS) versus Network Resource (NRIS) interconnection service analysis. This enhancement empowers energy stakeholders to make informed decisions about grid connections and transmission planning.
Whether you’re assessing how a renewable energy project can connect with minimal constraints (ERIS) or need robust assurances of grid reliability and capacity delivery under peak demand scenarios (NRIS), LandGate’s models provide the clarity and insights required to align with your goals.
Evaluating Network Resources vs. Energy Resources for Transfer Capacity
When purchasing power, organizations weigh the benefits of Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS) against Energy Resource Interconnection Service (ERIS). This decision depends heavily on various priorities. Deliverability rights, network upgrades, and exposure to curtailment during system events are all crucial factors to consider.
Breaking Down NRIS and ERIS
NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service)
Purpose: Provides comprehensive energy deliverability by considering network reliability.
Capacity: Ensures full energy delivery reliably during peak demand and critical scenarios.
Use Case: Ideal for large-scale facilities or projects targeting reliability in the wholesale market.
ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service)
Purpose: Simplifies energy connections without factoring future transmission constraints.
Capacity: Focuses on enabling energy output efficiently under normal conditions.
Use Case: Perfect for renewable energy projects, such as solar and wind, where variability and curtailment risks are manageable.
New Feature Introduction
Our latest platform update introduces side-by-side analysis of Network Resources versus Energy Resources for generation interconnection screening. This feature gives users deeper insights into the interconnection landscape. It simplifies evaluating resource dynamics and aligning decisions with organizational risk tolerance.
Where is it Initially Available?
The feature is rolling out first in the SPP, MISO, and PJM markets. It empowers users to make smarter decisions regarding resource evaluations.
Ignoring Base Case Overloads in Large Load Interconnection
The Challenge of Base Case Overloads
Planning models for ATC (Available Transfer Capability) calculations generally reflect existing overloads. These overloads result from current loads and are not typically linked to new interconnection requests. Instead, they represent the responsibility of the utility managing the facility to resolve.
The Solution
With this update, users now have a new option to ignore base case overloads during large load interconnection analyses. This matters because:
It enables a clearer focus on the impact of proposed connections, free from current constraints.
It simplifies the process for identifying how interconnections can support new loads.
It ensures alignment with planning models used by utilities to maintain future system load reliability.
This user-friendly feature is tailored to meet the unique challenges associated with large load interconnections. It promotes smarter and faster decision-making.
Why These Features Matter
These updates deliver tangible benefits:
Time Savings: Each feature reduces unnecessary complexity, allowing you to focus on actionable insights.
Improved Accuracy: Evaluate generation resource options comprehensively. Streamline interconnection screenings without legacy challenges obstructing progress.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Make informed decisions powered by transparent, customizable data tailored to your business objectives.
Together, these advancements revolutionize how users approach interconnection studies. They unlock new levels of efficiency, clarity, and operational flexibility.
Supporting Analysis Tools
With these updates, we ensure access to the latest planning models such as injection capacity and load-serving capacity analysis. Here’s what they offer:
Incremental Testing: Both generation and load are incrementally increased to identify thermal overloads, revealing stress points in the network.
Substation Analysis: Tests are conducted across every substation for comprehensive coverage.
Cost Insights: We provide estimated costs for addressing overloads using industry-standard cost estimation processes.
Use Cases for Enterprise Businesses
1. Renewable Energy Projects
Developers of solar and wind projects can benefit from ERIS evaluations. These evaluations allow for flexibility in energy delivery, helping projects stay on track.
2. Traditional Power Plants
Facilities looking to secure network reliability during peak demand can leverage NRIS. This guarantees energy delivery under critical conditions, ensuring operational stability.
3. Large Load Interconnections
Enterprises with substantial energy needs, such as data centers or manufacturing plants, can assess new interconnection feasibility without being overwhelmed by irrelevant constraints.
A Commitment to Innovation
We are deeply committed to empowering our users with innovative tools that enhance their capabilities. The features like NRIS vs. ERIS evaluations and the ability to filter base case overloads deliver practical solutions with real impact on your projects and planning.
Stay connected! For additional updates and detailed walkthroughs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our support team or explore our learning resources. Get started today and achieve more with LandGate!
