Why Dynamic Line Rating Is Critical for the Energy Transition | Sebastian Cerone, Sentrisense/Megger

Dynamic line rating can raise the capacity of existing overhead lines by 30 to 40%, and it takes minutes to switch on, while a new transmission line takes 15 years on average. At CIGRE 2026 in Paris, APC Media speaks with Sebastian Cerone, CEO of Sentrisense, a Megger company. Sentrisense has been monitoring overhead power lines for more than 10 years using sensors and software. Electric vehicles, data centers and variable renewables are putting new stress on a grid that is about 50 years old. Utilities need ways to find hidden capacity in the lines they already own while new construction catches up. Key topics covered:

• Sentrisense started more than 10 years ago monitoring overhead power lines and is now one of Megger’s product lines
• Flexibility is the Sentrisense differentiator: DLR delivered through line sensors, software only, or tower-mounted weather stations, depending on what the utility wants
• A working definition of the energy transition: EVs moving fuel demand onto conductors, data centers stressing the grid, renewables adding dynamic load, all on aging infrastructure
• More than 30 years of record supports DLR, with 30 to 40% more capacity on existing lines
• Cerone’s advice to utilities is to adopt DLR from any vendor instead of waiting 15 years for a new line
• Why CIGRE, now celebrating its 105th anniversary with more than 9,000 participants, is the most time-efficient week in the industry