Distribution Lines

Transect makes it easy to connect your project to the electrical grid at the optimal voltage level. By using our Distribution Line data, you can quickly identify project sites close to lines with the ideal hosting capacity.

In this article, you will learn:

• What is Hosting Capacity?
• How to use the Distribution Lines Explorer
• How to filter parcels by proximity to Distribution Lines
• How to request new Distribution Line data

What is Hosting Capacity?

Hosting Capacity measures how much additional renewable energy the local grid can absorb without requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.

When siting a microgrid or small community solar project, knowing the capacity of nearby distribution lines (typically below 69kV) is essential. Transect’s Hosting Capacity Data helps you streamline site selection by allowing you to:

• Identify ideal sites: Quickly find land parcels with good grid access.
• Avoid hidden costs: Ensure your project can connect to the grid without triggering expensive interconnection upgrades.
• Target high-potential areas: Focus your development efforts exclusively on regions with enough capacity for your project's planned size.

Accessing the Distribution Lines Explorer

• Navigate to the Map from the top navigation bar.
• Within the Map Layers widget, select the Distribution Lines Explorer.
• Check the box next to view the applicable layer on the Map.

Tips for navigating the Map:

• Zoom to Location: Click the Zoom To   icon next to a layer to jump directly to the data.
• Filter Your View: Click Filter to view lines based on specific Line Voltage or Hosting Capacity criteria.
• Review the Legend: The line colors represent available grid capacity thresholds.
  

Filtering by Proximity to Distribution Lines

You can use the Parcel Filter to find land within a specific distance of a utility's distribution lines.

• Navigate to the Map from the top of any page.
• In the "Parcel Filters" toolbar, select Boundary and then Map Layers .
• Within the "Choose a Layer' dropdown, select a utility and specify the search area around the layer (in miles).
• Optionally, you can select  to refine your search by:
  
  • Hosting Capacity (MW)
  • Line Voltage (kV)
• When finished, select Apply Filters.

Requesting Distribution Line Data

• Within the Map Layers widget, select Add/Edit Layers in the lower right corner.
• Next to Distribution Lines, click Request Data.
  
  
• In the pop-up window, search for and select your preferred utility.
  
• (Optional) Add any notes or specific details about your project needs in the dialogue box.
• Select Request Data.