What is the primary goal of conducting "Interconnection Studies"?

The primary goal of conducting "Interconnection Studies" is to evaluate the effects of new generation or transmission facilities on the current grid. This process is essential for ensuring that any planned addition of generation sources or infrastructure meets the reliability standards and can be integrated smoothly into the existing electrical system.

Interconnection studies typically assess how new projects will interact with the existing power network, including potential impacts on voltage levels, system stability, and overall reliability. They help identify whether the integration of new resources will cause any adverse effects or require upgrades to the current system to maintain reliability.

Through these studies, transmission operators can ensure that capacity and demand are balanced and that the grid remains stable and efficient. This assessment is a key part of the planning process that allows for the safe expansion and enhancement of electrical systems in response to growing demand or technological advancements.

Other options, while they address important aspects of grid management, do not specifically relate to the goal of interconnection studies. For instance, assessing regulatory impacts, cost efficiency, and load forecasts are valuable functions but are not the primary focus of evaluating how new facilities will interact with the existing grid infrastructure. Thus, they serve different purposes within the broader context of transmission operations.