Category: 📘 Glossary & Acronyms
Congestion
A condition in the electricity transmission system where the available capacity of transmission lines limits the ability to move electricity from one location to another.
Congestion occurs when electricity flows approach or exceed the safe operating limits of transmission lines.
Because electricity must follow physical paths across the grid, transmission constraints may prevent lower-cost electricity from reaching certain areas of the system.
When congestion occurs, the system operator may need to adjust generator dispatch to maintain system reliability and prevent transmission overloads.
Transmission congestion can influence electricity market outcomes, including generator dispatch and electricity prices in different parts of the system.
Managing congestion is an important part of operating a reliable electricity grid.
If a transmission line connecting two regions reaches its capacity limit, additional electricity cannot be transferred across that line, even if generation is available in the exporting region.
Last Updated: YYYY-MM-DD