Designed to tackle the challenges of distributed energy resources (DER), Strata Grid is a leading DERMS (Distributed Energy Resource Management System) that empowers Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) with a best-in-class, operationally ready solution. By seamlessly filling gaps in data and network models, we help customers deploy robust operational systems faster and more efficiently than any competitor.
Guided by direct customer feedback, we continuously refine our product. Our latest release Strata Grid 3.8 brings several key enhancements, such as expanded pre-event contingency limits supporting many network topologies, a new streamlined load-flow analysis workflow, and improved overall performance.
Strata Grid 3.8 addresses the most critical challenges DNOs and utilities face in managing modern, complex smart grid networks. Customers highlighted issues such as the over-curtailment of DER when unknown or unmodelled network topologies are encountered, as well as the growing difficulty of managing complex, meshed networks with many possible network topology configurations. In response, we have enhanced our DERMS platform, focusing on delivering a more adaptable, data-driven platform that can accurately handle high volumes of network topologies, reduce unnecessary curtailment, and provide greater confidence and control in increasingly dynamic grid environments.
Key features and functionalities of Strata Grid 3.8:
1. Scalable topology handling for enhanced DER management
Strata Grid 3.8 significantly expands our platform’s ability to scale, with before-the-loop load flow analysis used to derive Sensitivity Factors and Pre-Event Limits, whilst maintaining our deterministic real-time control functions. This enhancement is designed to allow reliable maximisation of grid capacity utilisation whilst reducing unnecessary curtailment of DER caused by unknown or unmodelled network configurations. By supporting complex, meshed networks and maintaining a large library of pre-primed topologies, the system minimises the likelihood of encountering unknown states, ensures fast transition to topology-appropriate operating configurations, helping avoid fail-safe triggers, and enabling more stable, efficient grid operations.
2. Streamlined load flow analysis workflow
We’ve simplified and enhanced the load flow analysis workflow to improve usability and efficiency within our smart grid software. Network model data can now be uploaded directly through the user interface, reducing complexity and manual effort. Related analyses are clearly grouped together, making it easier to manage and extend studies with additional network states. A dedicated activation step has also been introduced, providing clear visibility into which analyses are currently active and which additional ones are available, supporting better decision-making and control.
3. Enhanced performance and greater transparency
The latest release of our DERMS platform delivers significant performance improvements alongside greater transparency during analytics delivery. The user interface provides real-time progress indicators, showing both the percentage completed and elapsed time, giving users clearer insight into analysis status. Performance has also been greatly accelerated, with substantial reductions compared to previous processing times, enabling faster, more responsive decision-making for our customers.
4. Seasonal-based Pre-Event Contingency Limits for more accurate control
We have enhanced our Pre-Event Contingency Limits analysis by moving beyond a single summer-based baseline to support seasonally-defined thresholds. This allows utilities to more accurately reflect real network headroom throughout the year, further reducing unnecessary DER curtailment. Enabled by improved DERMS performance, analyses can now be run across multiple seasons. Once activated, the system automatically applies the ratings for the current season, seamlessly transitioning to the next set of thresholds at the defined start date ensuring continuous, optimised operation without manual intervention.
5. Improved Strata Grid configuration for greater efficiency and control
We’ve introduced a range of configuration enhancements to simplify workflows and improve the overall user experience within our smart grid software. With these latest improvements, Strata Grid automatically updates the Data Historian whenever application points change, helping ensure consistency without the need for constant intervention. We’ve also made it easier to define and re-use custom variables for devices and measurement data. Once set up, these can be applied repeatedly, with import and export capabilities that simplify working across multiple systems and environments. To further speed things up, users can now create reusable task templates. This allows users to define a task set once and apply it wherever it’s needed, making it much quicker to configure new entities while maintaining a consistent approach across deployments.
Strata Grid stands out as a leading DERMS platform by combining scalability, flexibility and usability in a way that directly addresses real utility and DNO challenges. Unlike many alternatives that rely on rigid network models or require significant manual input, our platform enables utilities to manage highly complex, meshed networks at scale, supporting all credible operating network topologies while reducing the risk of fail-safe scenarios and unnecessary DER curtailment.
We also differentiate through user experience and speed to value. Streamlined workflows, intuitive configuration tools and automated processes reduce operational burden and accelerate deployment, allowing customers to realise benefits faster and more cost-effectively. This is highly-tailored to our customers’ practical needs, refined from over 16 years of Strata Grid operation in live Utility environments.
Finally, our ability to incorporate seasonal network dynamics, support advanced pre-event analysis and deliver significantly faster performance enables more precise, data-driven smart grid management. This helps utilities move beyond traditional, CAPEX-heavy approaches toward smarter, more flexible and future-ready operations.
The latest enhancements to Strata Grid reflect our ongoing commitment to solving real-world utility challenges with practical, scalable DERMS solutions. By combining advanced analytics, improved performance, and a more intuitive user experience, we’re helping utilities operate more efficiently, reduce unnecessary curtailment and confidently manage increasingly complex networks. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Strata Grid is designed to evolve with it, empowering smarter, more flexible grid operations.