Interconnection Data

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

Transect enables utility-scale developers to identify whether a site is projected to have capacity at a nearby substation or transmission line and filter to quickly find sites that have the capacity they need. This is based on data provided by ISOs, and provides a “quick take” on the capacity likely to be available at these substations in the future when projects are constructed. This data helps developers streamline their planning process, maximize project feasibility, and expedite the approval process while reducing development risks and unforeseen connection hurdles.  

In this article, you'll learn how to:

• Use Interconnection to Search for Parcels
• View Substations with Available Capacity
• Review Interconnection Data within the 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: 

Reviewing Interconnection Data within the Report

Once a report is run, the Interconnection data for the 3 nearest substation buses and transmission lines will be shown in a table at the top of the Executive Summary. The table will be broken down into substations and transmission lines and indicate the owner, name, distance, voltage, and current winter/summery capacity (MW). 

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

Additional interconnection data can be accessed by navigating to the Interconnection page 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.

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.

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.

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