Avangrid Trials Innovative Technology to Enhance Grid Capacity in New York, Accelerating the Adoption of Renewable Energy

Avangrid, Inc., a sustainable energy firm and a part of the Iberdrola Group, has announced a collaboration with LineVision, Inc. aimed at unlocking additional transmission line capacity for renewable energy in New York State. 

This project will implement cutting-edge monitoring technology along overhead transmission lines in the Hornell, N.Y. region, with the primary objective of alleviating grid congestion by providing real-time insights into where additional power can be safely accommodated within the existing transmission infrastructure. 

Traditionally, the capacity of electric transmission lines has been determined using “static” line ratings, which offer conservative, fixed values based on assumed weather conditions. However, LineVision’s advanced monitoring system, now adopted by Avangrid, offers real-time data that grants greater flexibility to safely increase energy flow through the transmission lines, taking into account current conditions. This innovation introduces “dynamic” line ratings (DLR), which assess power line capacity limits by considering real-time factors like sag, temperature, and weather forecasts. This, in turn, enhances grid operations with informed decision-making and increased transmission line capacity, all without the need for extensive grid upgrades.

Within this initiative, LineVision will collaborate with Avangrid’s electric utility operating company, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), to install non-contact LiDAR sensors for the monitoring of overhead transmission lines. This project will also accelerate the adoption of renewable energy and align with the goals of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). The installation of these sensors will take place on two transmission lines: one stretching from Elma (Erie County) to Strykersville (Wyoming County), and the other running from Warsaw to Perry (both in Wyoming County).

The project received funding from Avangrid and LineVision through the second round of NYSERDA’s Future Grid Challenge program. This program addresses a recommendation outlined in a Department of Public Service order issued in January 2022, which calls for the deployment of advanced transmission and distribution technologies to enhance transmission utilization while supporting New York’s CLCPA target of achieving 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid, said, “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.”

Hudson Gilmer, CEO and co-founder of LineVision, noted, “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% 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.”

Patricia Nilsen, president and CEO of NYSEG and RG&E, added, “We have been an anchor institution in our communities for more than a century. We know that we have a critical role in building a smarter, more resilient network that will enable us to deliver clean energy to more customers. Investments in innovation like this are very exciting because it will benefit our customers in multiple ways.”