Calculating Available Transfer Capacity: New Methods & Tech Enhancements
- LandGate
- May 5
- 4 min read
Effective planning and optimization are at the heart of energy management and grid reliability. At LandGate, we strive to simplify these complexities by leveraging the latest in energy planning models to provide actionable insights for businesses and utilities. Our advanced tools include cutting-edge features for injection transfer capacity analysis and load-serving capacity analysis, helping identify thermal overloads and estimate the costs of addressing them. But we’re not stopping there.
We’re excited to introduce a powerful new feature to our platform—the ability to perform Energy Resource (ERIS) vs. Network Resource (NRIS) interconnection service analysis, empowering energy stakeholders to make informed decisions about grid connections and transmission planning.
Whether you’re determining 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 are designed to provide the clarity and insights required to align with your goals.
Evaluating Network Resources vs. Energy Resources for Transfer Capacity
When it comes to purchasing power, organizations often weigh the benefits of Network Resource Interconnection Service (NRIS) against Energy Resource Interconnection Service (ERIS). The decision depends heavily on priorities such as deliverability rights, network upgrades, and exposure to curtailment during system events.
Breaking Down NRIS and ERIS:
NRIS (Network Resource Interconnection Service):
Purpose: Provides comprehensive energy deliverability by accounting for network reliability.
Capacity: Delivers full energy reliably during peak demand and critical scenarios.
Use Case: Ideal for large-scale facilities or projects aiming for reliability and assured energy deliverability in the wholesale market.
ERIS (Energy Resource Interconnection Service):
Purpose: Simplifies energy connection without factoring in future transmission constraints.
Capacity: Focused on enabling energy output efficiently under normal conditions.
Use Case: Perfect for renewable energy projects like solar and wind, where variability and curtailment risks are manageable.
New Feature Introduction:
The latest platform update introduces side-by-side analysis of Network Resources versus Energy Resources for generation interconnection screening. This feature allows users to gain deeper insights into the interconnection landscape, making it easier to evaluate resource dynamics and align decisions to organizational risk tolerance.
Where is it Initially Available?
The feature is rolling out first in the SPP, MISO, and PJM markets, where it will empower users to make smarter decisions about resource evaluations.
Ignoring Base Case Overloads in Large Load Interconnection
The Challenge of Base Case Overloads:
Planning models for ATC (Available Transfer Capability) calculations often reflect existing overloads in the system caused by current loads. These are not typically attributable to new interconnection requests but instead represent the responsibility of the utility managing the facility to address.
The Solution:
With this update, users now have a new option to ignore base case overloads during large load interconnection analyses. Here’s why that matters:
It enables a clearer focus on the impact of proposed connections, free from pre-existing constraints.
It simplifies the process for identifying how and where interconnections can support new loads without being bogged down by unrelated system issues.
It aligns with planning models utilized by utilities to ensure future system load reliability, ensuring that new interconnection efforts aren't hindered by irrelevant baselines.
This user-friendly feature is tailored to meet the unique challenges associated with large load interconnections, enabling smarter and faster decision-making.
Why These Features Matter
Here’s how 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 more comprehensively and streamline interconnection screenings without legacy challenges standing in the way.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Make informed decisions powered by transparent, customizable data tailored to your business objectives.
Together, these advancements stand to revolutionize how users approach interconnection studies, unlocking new levels of efficiency, clarity, and operational flexibility.
Supporting Analysis Tools
With these updates, we also ensure access to the latest planning models like 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 run across every substation, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Cost Insights: Estimated costs for addressing overloads are provided using industry-standard cost estimation processes.
Use Cases for Enterprise Businesses
Renewable Energy Projects: Developers of solar and wind projects benefit from ERIS evaluations allowing flexibility in energy delivery.
Traditional Power Plants: Facilities looking to secure network reliability during peak demand can leverage NRIS to ensure energy is deliverable under critical conditions.
Large Load Interconnections: Enterprises with high energy needs (e.g., data centers, manufacturing plants) can assess new interconnection feasibility without being overwhelmed by irrelevant constraints.
A Commitment to Innovation
We’re deeply committed to empowering our users with innovative tools that enhance their capabilities. With features like NRIS vs. ERIS evaluations and the ability to filter base case overloads, this update delivers practical solutions that make a real impact on your projects and planning. Stay connected! For more 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!
