Transmission planning fundamentals: Models, data, skills needed and technical tools

Transmission expansion planning (TEP) is a complicated process that requires extensive studies to determine where, when and how many transmission facilities are needed. The fundamental concepts of TEP including the data, models, available software tools, as well as the technical skills needed for power system planning engineers are analyzed in this panel paper. Due to the amount of data in the bulk transmission power systems, the selection of the right data is critical in obtaining a good output results. The mathematical model for TEP also plays an important role, because a good TEP model will not only provides a better reflection of the realistic power systems, but is also much more efficient. Dynamic and static stability validating analysis is another crucial step in the overall TEP procedure. Failing to validate the TEP plan may cause unexpected issues in the real-time operating and make the whole system subject to financial or even electrical losses. In this paper, a particular experience from a 2020 transmission expansion planning project in the Western Interconnection will be presented. The authors believe that this paper will be helpful for curriculum development covering technical issues on TEP projects.