Innovative measures to increase the utilization of Norwegian transmission

The main role of Statnett as the Norwegian TSO is to efficiently promote and facilitate a well-functioning electricity market. Sufficient transmission capacity with access to the entire market area as well as satisfactory quality of supply are essential prerequisites in this respect The background for Statnett to focus on increased utilization of existing transmission is described including the development of the Nordic electricity market. Various system protection schemes, line upgrading and shunt capacitors have increased transfer limits considerably within Norway and on the interconnections with Sweden. The quality of supply has not suffered. A policy for system utilization has been elaborated for both planning and operation aiming at minimization of expected social costs, including interruptions. Temporary higher risk operation like (n-0) is allowed as long as probable consequences are within defined limits.