Avangrid to partner with LineVision to boost energy capacity on New York State transmission lines
Avangrid is embarking on a pilot project with LineVision to create additional capacity for renewable energy on its transmission lines in New York State.
With the goal of reducing grid congestion, the pilot project will deploy advanced monitoring for overhead transmission lines in the Hornell, N.Y. area by providing real-time data on where additional power can safely flow through the existing transmission infrastructure. This data could aid in linking more renewable energy resources into New York’s electrical grid.
The amount of energy that electric transmission lines can safely carry is variable. Historically, the lines have been operated using “static” line ratings that tell grid operators a lines’ energy capacity. However, with LineVision’s advanced monitoring, Avangrid will be able to see real-time data, allowing for more flexibility to safely increase the amount of energy flowing through the transmission lines. The advanced monitoring provides “dynamic” line ratings (DLR), which determine capacity limits of the power lines by combining real-time properties such as sag, temperature and forecasted weather conditions.
For this project, LineVision will partner with Avangrid’s electric utility operating company New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) to install non-contact LiDAR sensors to monitor overhead transmission lines. The sensors will be installed on two of the company’s transmission lines: one from Elma in Erie County to Strykersville in Wyoming County, and the other from Warsaw to Perry, both in Wyoming County.
“Decarbonizing our region and nation will require critical investments in transmission and distribution infrastructure. This pilot project is just one example of how we’re working to modernize the grid and enhance reliability and resiliency across our service areas for our customers. We’re proud to be making strategic and critical investments that will enable New York’s climate goals, help mitigate the impacts of climate change and increase access to renewable energy,” Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said.
Funding for the project was awarded to Avangrid and LineVision through round two of NYSERDA’s Future Grid Challenge program.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen to take part in this important project. By multiple accounts, we must double the size of the power grid to have any hope of meeting critical climate goals. Our technology has helped our utility customers identify between 25-40 percent additional capacity on existing lines which helps accelerate a transition to renewables. We are excited to work with Avangrid and NYSERDA to help optimize New York’s grid,” Hudson Gilmer, CEO and co-founder of LineVision, said.
