Transmission Corridor Analysis using PTDFs

Subsection 1221(a) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 calls for a study to determine national interest electric transmission corridors. These corridors are defined as "any geographic area experiencing electric transmission capacity constraints or congestion that adversely affects consumers." This paper presents a method to define a "direct flow" between two hubs using the power transfer distribution factors (PTDFs). With these hubs properly defined, the hope is to be able to assess where these transmission corridors of national significance exist.