How can lowering voltage on newly energized transmission lines be accomplished?

Lowering the voltage on newly energized transmission lines can be accomplished effectively by adding local load and moving taps on Unidirectional Load Tap Changer (ULTC) transformers.

When transmission lines are energized, the initial higher voltage can be adjusted by increasing the local demand for power. This is achieved by connecting more loads to the system, which draws down the voltage, helping stabilize the system. Additionally, moving taps on ULTC transformers allows operators to adjust the transformer’s output voltage to the desired level. By selecting the appropriate tap setting, the voltage output can be lowered to match the requirements of the adjacent system, enhancing efficiency and system reliability.

In contrast, reducing overall demand on the system, energizing backup generators, or shutting down non-critical loads do not directly lower voltage on newly energized lines. Instead, these actions may lead to different outcomes, such as reducing the load on the overall system without necessarily adjusting the voltage level of the new transmission lines directly. Hence, the combination of increasing local load and adjusting transformer settings provides a precise method for managing voltage levels in this context.