Interconnection Data

Learn how to mitigate risk and maximize efficiency with Transect's Interconnection Data.

In this article, you'll learn how to:

• Use Interconnection to Search for Parcels
• View Substations with Available Capacity
• Review Interconnection Data within a Report
• Filter Interconnection Data Tables
• Export Interconnection Data

Using Interconnection to Search for Parcels

You can easily refine your search by applying filters to locate parcels with specific attributes. Here's how to get started:

• Navigate to the Map from the top of any page.
• In the 'Start a New Project' modal, select Parcel Filter. Click here to learn more about Parcel Filtering.
  
• A toolbar with various filter options will populate at the top of the page where you'll select Proximity.
• Within the pop-out, input the parameters to apply to your search. Some options include:
  • Distance to Transmission Lines
  • Transmission Line Voltage
  • Contains [Owner]
  • Distance to Substations
  • Substation Voltage
  • 2027 Projected Winter/Summer Max Capacity 
  • 2030 Projected Winter/Summer Max Capacity 
  • Minimum Bus Voltage
  • Optionally, you can tick the boxes to add the Transmission Line Map Layer or Substation Map Layer directly to your view.
• When finished, select Apply.

The parcels that don't meet the criteria specified in the filter will automatically be excluded from view, so only relevant parcels are visible.

Viewing Substations with Available Capacity 

Organizations with access to the Interconnection feature will also have access to the Substation Capacity layer, which highlights available capacity at the substation level. To use this layer, you’ll first want to add it as a map layer, then check the box to activate the layer. To view more information about a substation, simply right-click it on the Map.

The colors shown on the map indicate the following capacity: 

The color-coding applies to the average capacity available across multiple years and scenarios as displayed in the Interconnection table in a report. For example, if in one scenario, the capacity is 10 MW and in another, it is 100 MW, the color would be red (<50 MW). It is a good idea to always confirm the data in the Interconnection table.

Also note that the color could be white (reflecting “unknown or partial data”) for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons are that the power flow model could not determine a substation’s capacity (a situation that returns a “999” figure) in some or all scenarios, or that a substation has multiple buses and we lack data on some of them.

Reviewing Interconnection Data within a Report

Interconnection Summary

Once a report is run, the Interconnection data for the three nearest substation buses and transmission lines is shown in a table at the top of the Executive Summary. Clicking on a substation's name in this table brings you to its location on the map. 

Base scenarios assume the substation is operating normally. The N-1 scenario assumes that a key component of the substation has failed, although this may not affect capacity if the system is designed for resiliency. In this case, the Base and N-1 values will match.

Modifying the Interconnection Table

You can modify the years shown by selecting Add/Edit Years and checking the box next to the applicable years. Please note that these will vary between ISOs.

Interconnection Page

Additional interconnection data can be accessed by selecting Interconnection from the left-side menu under 'Key Details'. This page provides a comprehensive analysis of the local grid infrastructure. Similar to the table on the Executive Summary, this page indicates the owner, name, distance, voltage, and winter/summer capacity (MW) for all substations within 50 miles of your project, and data on all transmission lines within 50 miles of your project. You can also view the following:

• Substation Information
  When you click on a substation in the table, the map will navigate to that substation's location, giving you a quick view of its location relative to your project.
  
  
• Transmission Line Data
  

  Below the substation table, you'll see the names, distance from your AOI, and voltages of Transmission Lines that are near your project area.  

  
  
  
• Interconnection Queue Data
  At the bottom of the Interconnection page, you'll find Interconnection Queue Data for projects in the same county as your AOI. This data is provided by the ISOs and includes the ISO, owner, capacity, status, projected COD and additional information about projects that are close to your area of interest. Currently, this only shows queued projects in ERCOT, although additional ISOs will be added soon. 
  The acronyms under “Status” vary by how each ISO reports them. In ERCOT, for instance, the statuses mean:
  • SS: Screening Study (started or completed)
  • FIS: Full Interconnection Study (started or completed)
  • IA: Interconnection Agreement (IA = executed, No IA = not executed)
    
    

Filtering Interconnection Data 

You can filter your Interconnection data at the top Executive Summary and directly from the Interconnection page. You can filter the table in the following ways:

• Select a column header to sort by Ascending/Descending.
• Click the filter icon in any column and enter your criteria. Your table will be filtered automatically.
  • To remove a filter, select Clear Filters.

Exporting Interconnection Data

You can export substation, transmission, or nearby project data directly from the Interconnection page. To export, click Export as CSV in the upper right corner above the data table. Please note that exports of Substation data will only include the scenario years you select.

Looking for information on distribution lines? Check out this article to learn more.