Resources for Utility Transmission Analysis

This page provides access to utility-scale and regional transmission analysis tools, regional integration studies, and general utility analysis information for renewable energy resources. We provide these resources for state- and local-level energy analysts, officials, and decision makers who are interested in requesting help from the Technical Assistance Project.

Capacity Expansion Modeling

• Wind Deployment System

  Optimizes the regional expansion of electric generation and transmission capacity in the continental United States during the next 50 years. The WinDS Web site presents an overview of this NREL-developed tool, as well as relevant data and related publications. Site users will find background on the model, a detailed model description, and data on cost of wind transmission access.

Regional Integration Studies

• Wind Systems Integration Resources

  Provides access to reports and publications on wind transmission, capacity value, integration analysis and methods.

• Wind Integration Publications

  Provides links to publications that discuss grid integration and wind energy technologies.

• Utility Wind Integration Group

  Provides information on the development and application of good engineering and operational practices supporting the appropriate integration of wind power into the electric system.

• Western Governors' Association Transmission Task Force Report

  Accesses background information and a link to the final report from the WGA Transmission Task Force.

• Northwest Wind Integration Action Plan

  Addresses how best to integrate wind energy in the Pacific Northwest's existing hydro-rich electricity system.

• Western Interstate Energy Board – Western Transmission Expansion

  Accesses information on Western transmission expansion, including planning groups, transmission lines, and major projects.

General Utility Analysis Information

• Utility Management

  Provides up-to-date information about energy markets, utility restructuring, renewable power purchasing, demand response, and state energy efficiency funding opportunities that can help users manage costs, improve reliability, and reduce environmental impacts.

• Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions

  Provides access to Consortium for Electric Reliability Technology Solutions (CERTS) publications. CERTS was formed in 1999 to research, develop, and disseminate new methods, tools, and technologies to protect and enhance the reliability of the U.S. electric power system and efficiency of competitive electricity markets.

• Current Energy

  Accesses charts that present an approximate picture of the balance between the supply and demand for electricity.

• Demand Response Assessment Resources

  Assesses the potential of demand response and peak load reduction impacts, and uses tools and guides to incorporate automated demand response strategies in commercial buildings. The Web site is maintained by the Demand Response Research Center.