OATI seeks federal funding to deploy dynamic line rating software that could unlock up to 20% additional grid capacity through real-time optimization.

OATI is seeking federal funding to deploy PowerNow, a software-based initiative designed to unlock additional transmission capacity through three coordinated mechanisms: automated, near-real-time coordination between neighboring transmission operators; dynamic line rating software that more accurately reflects real-world grid conditions and eliminates artificial constraints on power flows; and AI-enhanced dispatch of flexible resources that can respond more quickly to grid needs than traditional generation.

The scale of potential gains became apparent during OATI's study preceding its SPARK grant application. Kevin Sarkinen, OATI's chief operations officer, characterized the findings as "astonishing": increasing a single line rating limit can "change the [grid] capacity availability by 100% to 200% based on what's flowing on that particular line." This sensitivity underscores the immense complexity grid operators face when evaluating large-load interconnection requests and reliably serving those loads. A single line constraint "can really impact what's available on the grid," Sarkinen said. While national-level estimates are difficult to project, PowerNow could increase individual lines' capacity by "hundreds of megawatts."

The automated inter-regional coordination component replaces weekly, daily, or hourly data exchanges between grid operators with near-instantaneous updates, enabling rapid response to capacity constraints on neighboring lines. This benefit is greatest when adjacent operators adopt the capability simultaneously, making coordinated, rather than piecemeal, deployment essential. To that end, OATI has recruited a geographically diverse coalition of regional transmission organizations and transmission utilities, including the California Independent System Operator, New York Independent System Operator, Southwest Power Pool, PacifiCorp, Duke Energy, and Florida Power & Light, among others.

"Just removing some individual constraints that bind power transfers is really the crux of what we're doing," Sarkinen said.