ABSTRACT
Electric transmission lines are constructed to provide a path for electricity to flow from a generation source to a specific service area or to intertie with the transmission grid. The majority of new transmission line construction is being done at higher voltages commonly referred to as extra high voltage or voltages greater than 230 kV. Transmission lines are engineered and designed to meet National Electric Safety Code Standards and the criteria of regulating authorities such as North American Electric Reliability Council overseen by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Transmission line easements or rights-of-way followed as direct a route as possible from the generation source to the service territory or grid interconnection. Planning for high impact, low risk of occurrence events that result in loss of transmission structure(s) requires evaluating the economic and operational impact of the downed transmission line to the local transmission system and regional grid.
