This letter presents a systematic approach that composes network congestion warning indices and lights of given power service areas. Based on typical power system analysis
methods and engineering judgments, a set of indices and congestion severity measures were developed. The composite indices include the normal condition margin index and the contingency margin index, and each includes three measures with corresponding weightings to address the current and future transmission margins, single worst transmission element and
system average loading. The weighting factors are adjusted
according to system characteristics and specific planning
principles adopted by stakeholders. The congestion warning
lights are then defined on a two-dimension plot based on the
indices computed. The resultant indicating lights can be used as
simple media for conveying possible network congestion problems.