What is the effect of a positive Generation Shift Factor on line loading?

A positive Generation Shift Factor indicates that an increase in generation at a certain node (or bus) will lead to an increase in power flow through a specific transmission line. When generation is increased at a bus that has a positive shift factor for a particular line, more energy is pushed through that line, thereby contributing to an increase in line loading.

This relationship is essential for understanding how changes in generation sources can impact the overall flow of electricity in a transmission system. In a scenario where a generation resource is ramped up, a positive Generation Shift Factor directly correlates to a higher current on the associated transmission lines, which can affect the line's thermal limits and reliability.

The other options fail to capture this direct relationship between generation adjustments and line loading. For example, a decrease in line loading is not a direct effect of a positive Generation Shift Factor, and stating it has no effect disregards the significant impacts on line current flow. Hence, the correct understanding is that a positive Generation Shift Factor indeed contributes to increased loading on the transmission line when output generation is ramped up.