With 12 months left until the FERC 881 compliance deadline, the clock is ticking for operators to meet the mandates within the provided timeframe. In response, Ampacimon, a provider of grid monitoring and analytics solutions, announced its FERC 881 Compliance Accelerator Program – a package of professional services and software in a pilot program designed to inform operators’ FERC 881 strategy and accelerate the path to compliance.
To support the eventual shift to Dynamic Line Ratings and to enhance the efficient utilization of the U.S. transmission grid, the Federal Energy Regulatory Agency (FERC) approved Order 881 on December 16, 2021. It requires transmission service providers, owners, and grid operators to implement accurate and dynamic methods of transmission line ratings that can be adjusted hourly. FERC 881 requires the adoption of Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR) software and improved procedures to increase transmission capacity.
“As the countdown to the July 12, 2025, compliance deadline begins, the urgency to implement AAR grows, not only for compliance but also to optimize the nation’s energy grid, extend its lifespan, and accelerate the integration of clean energy sources,” said Stephan Heberer, Ampacimon CEO. “With a requirement for AAR, FERC 881 also helps operators prepare for expected DLR requirements, which will utilize the same software and procedures as AAR with the added benefit of precise data from line DLR sensors.”
The program includes:
- A complimentary, two-week assessment of two congested transmission lines
- Ampacimon GridBoost Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR) software to identify potential capacity gains
- A custom implementation plan to meet the July 12, 2025, compliance deadline
- A cost and benefit assessment of the right technology mix, including AAR and/or DLR, to achieve optimal results and compliance
- Hands-on collaboration with Ampacimon’s professional services and engineers throughout the process
“As the deadline approaches, operators are under increasing pressure to assess compliance options, conduct pilot testing, and implement required technologies and procedures. Leveraging our defined FERC 881 assessment program, deep expertise, and award-winning GridBoost AAR software, we are uniquely equipped to design and implement FERC 881 compliance for utilities in as little as six months,” concluded Mr. Heberer.
Order No. 881 directs transmission providers to use ambient-adjusted ratings (AARs) as the basis for evaluating near-term transmission service as well as for the determination of the necessity of certain curtailment, interruption or redispatch of near-term transmission service.
Order No. 881 also acknowledged that transmission line ratings could be based on factors beyond forecasted ambient air temperatures and the presence of solar heating. Applying these factors to reflect other weather conditions like wind, cloud cover, solar heating intensity and precipitation, as well as transmission line conditions such as tension or sag, could lead to greater accuracy and enable greater power flows. In addition, FERC explained that the use of DLR can detect situations where flows should be reduced for safe and reliable operation and to avoid unnecessary wear on transmission equipment.
DLRs are calculated using real-time field measurements and conductor position to determine the maximum carrying capacity of the transmission line, enabling it to be continuously optimized and to support the integration of growing renewables capacity to the grid.
The AES Corporation and LineVision recently published a case study related to the ongoing demonstration project from the largest single deployment of Dynamic Line Ratings (DLR) in the United States.
In the case study, the companies said standard transmission lines with extra high voltage and steel structures are “well-suited” for DLR models. The DLR deployment “significantly improved” situational awareness, the companies said. However, some high-voltage and sub-transmission lines, especially those with older construction and wood pole support, may require additional model training.
As part of the joint project, LineVision installed its patented non-contact sensors on transmission structures owned by AES’ utilities in Indiana and Ohio. The companies said early learnings from the project underscore the potential for DLR to improve real-time monitoring.
