Smarter Grid Solutions consulting delivers specialist study tools that help utility companies plan, assess and operate electricity networks as they integrate increasing levels of distributed energy resources (DER).

This article explores a selection of SGS Consulting's specialist study and network planning tools, developed through both innovation projects and practical utility applications. From deterministic and probabilistic curtailment studies to multi-vector assessment tools and day-to-day network planning applications, these solutions demonstrate how digital modelling and analytics can support the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), unlock network capacity, and help utilities address evolving system challenges.

SGS Background in Specialist Study Tool Development

Over the past 15 years, our team of consultants have created advanced network analysis tools across numerous Distribution System Operator (DSO) innovation projects, and more recently has deployed study tools to DSOs for day-to-day connection and capacity assessment. Together, these examples span curtailment assessment, connection planning, multi-vector energy modelling and market-based dispatch optimisation, including:

• Testing and validating new distribution network control solutions through a digital twin test environment.
• Assessing the curtailment impacts on flexible generation and demand connections.
• Evaluating the effects of future changes in voltage-demand relationships for voltage-controlled demand solutions.
• Optimising the economic dispatch of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) schemes using market forecasts and network access constraints.
• Modelling multi-vector energy sites, including market trading and curtailment scenarios, to assess costs and benefits across integrated energy systems, such as electricity networks and green hydrogen production facilities.
  

In recent years, SGS Consulting has developed and deployed study tools for a DSO to support the assessment of new connection applications. These tools enable network planners to evaluate the impact of proposed connections on network constraints and quantify the associated curtailment implications. The toolset supports assessments of Curtailable Connections and Grid Supply Point (GSP) Technical Limits, while also providing advanced model-in-the-loop functionality that performs detailed load flow-based curtailment analyses.

SGS Consulting’s specialist study tool development builds on our extensive experience delivering Active Network Management (ANM) systems for DSOs. As one of the pioneers of utility-scale ANM solutions, we initially developed methodologies and study tools to help DSOs provide prospective generation customers with estimates of expected ANM curtailment. These early assessments applied modelling assumptions aligned with network planning standards, ensuring network security under all credible operating conditions. While suitable for worst-case planning purposes, these assumptions could be conservative when compared with actual network operational behaviors and practices.

As the market matured and the demands of developers, investors and network operators evolved, SGS continued to advance our curtailment assessment capabilities. This led us to development enhanced modelling approaches and study tools that provide a more realistic representation of operational scenarios and network performance.

We have developed both deterministic and probabilistic toolsets to support ANM curtailment assessments. Our probabilistic tools capture the effects of factors such as outages, operator interventions, inter-trip schemes and Load Management Schemes (LMS), while our deterministic tools provide detailed network-based curtailment analysis. These in-house toolsets are regularly used to deliver curtailment assessment services for clients across the electricity sector.

In some projects, we have combined deterministic and probabilistic techniques to address more complex connection scenarios. For example, we have assessed the implications of Accelerated Transmission Connections, where Appendix D restrictions within connection agreements can require System Operator intervention. Under specific outage conditions or network loading thresholds, these restrictions may result in generation output being constrained or reduced to zero, making robust curtailment modelling essential for investment and operational decision-making.

Our in-house deterministic curtailment assessment tools employ specialist scripts that model ANM actions and manage time-step load-flow analysis using third party load-flow analysis tools such as IPSA, PSSE and PowerFactory.

Examples of Study Tools Developed by SGS Consulting

The following examples show how SGS Consulting's specialist study tools have been applied to solve real-world challenges across network planning, operations and innovation projects.

1. Control Solutions Simulation & Digital Twin. 
   We developed a digital twin test bench, modelling a distribution network and simulating multiple control techniques to allow study of inter-dependencies, conflict and arbitration between different control methods. The test bench simulated multiple smart control functions of Voltage Optimisation, Active Network Management (ANM), Constraint Management, and Conservation Voltage Reduction. SGS developed models of each individual operational controller and simulated these through the DNO network planning model, with bespoke enhancements enhancing allowing study of voltage/demand relationships.
2. Curtailable Connections Study Tools.
   We developed a curtailment assessment tool for a UK DNO to study new curtailable connections. The toolset applies the standard Curtailable Connections study methodology from Distribution Connection and Use of System Agreement (DCUSA) Schedule 2D, allows configuration and study of GSP Technical Limits. Users are provided with options for performing study via either a simplified fast-turnaround methodology, or a more detailed study applying full load-flow simulation capability.
3.  Multi-Vector Modelling Tools.
   We are working with UK Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and Gas Distribution Network (GDN) partners to develop a GIS-based techno-economic tool that allows users to identify sites where export curtailment can be mitigated through green hydrogen production. The tool links to data from both the DNO and GDN data portals to assist users (developers and investors) in identifying Points of Connection (PoC) for Cross Vector Energy Hubs. These hub locations are where renewable generation electricity export curtailment can be mitigated using demand from green hydrogen production. Through constraint stimulation and energy transfer modelling, the toolset recommends the capacities of hydrogen production equipment and performs Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) that reflects market trading strategies, all helping developers to identify potential positive business cases. The plan is to develop this tool further to support whole system planning by DNOs and GDNs by identifying further suitable whole system planning use cases.
4.  BESS Behaviour and Constraint Modelling Tools.
   Network studies increasingly rely on models of forecasted BESS operation, often applying simplified models of BESS operation that assume fixed-period market-driven import and export schedules and accept curtailment when it occurs. We have developed a curtailment modelling tool that provides a more representative reflection of behaviours: firstly deriving a profile that dispatches BESS based on day-ahead curtailment forecasts (to operate ‘around’ curtailment) and optimises against historical electricity market prices. The post-curtailment picture of this optimised import/export dispatch profile is compared with a no-curtailment case to quantify the potential financial impact of curtailment. SGS has successfully applied this toolset to both standalone BESS and hybrid BESS/renewable energy sites for a number of developer clients. Key components of the methodology include forecasting curtailment and electricity market price, where the toolset can incorporate forecast data to model future operating conditions. By accounting for forecast curtailment and market prices, the tool enables BESS operators, developers and investors to optimise import and export dispatch strategies to maximise trading revenues while managing periods of network restriction. When combined with projections of future network conditions, such as changes in demand and distributed generation, alongside forecasts of market prices and evolving trading strategies, the approach can also be used to estimate long-term BESS revenues and assess the financial impact of curtailment over the life of a project.  

Let's Discuss

Smarter Grid Solutions works across the electricity sector, supporting developers, investors, DSOs, and transmission network operators with control and analysis software solutions, technical analysis and specialist advisory services. Through our work in network management, curtailment modelling and connection assessments, we continue to develop insights into the challenges of integrating new generation, storage and flexible energy technologies.

Whether you're looking to integrate more DERs, improve network visibility, or unlock additional capacity, SGS Consulting can help. If you'd like to discuss any of the topics covered in this article or learn more about our capabilities, we'd be pleased to hear from you.