Utility Models Overview

Utilities and system operators rely on a variety of advanced tools and methodologies to ensure the reliable, efficient, and sustainable operation of power systems. The table below highlights some of the most widely used tools and studies in the energy sector. These tools support critical functions such as capacity expansion planning, grid reliability assessments, and climate adaptation strategies.

Among these tools, EPM (Energy Planning Model) stands out as a cornerstone for Capacity Expansion Planning, helping utilities identify the necessary infrastructure investments to meet long-term demand growth and decarbonization targets.

Study	Detailed Purpose	Key Outcomes	Tools	Time Horizon (Years)
Capacity Expansion Planning	Identify the infrastructure and capacity expansions needed to meet long-term demand growth and decarbonization goals.	Optimal Expansion Plans, Capacity Needs	EPM, PSS-E, PowerFactory, Plexos	10-30
Grid Interconnection	Analyze the feasibility and impact of new grid connections, including generation plants and cross-border interconnections.	Power Transfer Capability, Stability Metrics	PSS-E, PowerFactory, DIgSILENT	10-30
Adequacy Assessment	Evaluate whether the system has enough capacity to meet demand under various scenarios, including peak load and renewable energy variability.	Loss of Load, Unmet Demand, Reserve Margins	EPM, PLEXOS, Antares, Open-Plan, PROMOD	1-20
Grid Reliability	Analyze the system’s ability to operate securely under normal and contingency conditions to prevent outages and maintain reliability.	Voltage Profiles, Stability Metrics	PSS-E, PowerFactory, ETAP	0-10
Load Flow	Determine how power flows through the network to identify potential bottlenecks, ensure efficient operation, and minimize losses.	Power Flow Distribution, Losses	PSS-E, PowerWorld, CYME	0-10
Short-Circuit	Assess fault current magnitudes to ensure equipment and protection systems are capable of safely handling electrical faults.	Fault Current Levels, Breaker Ratings	ETAP, PowerFactory, Aspen	0-5
Dynamic and Stability	Examine system behavior during and after disturbances to ensure stability and prevent cascading failures or blackouts.	Stability Indices, Oscillation Damping	DIgSILENT, PSS-E, PSCAD	0-10
Market and Congestion Management	Evaluate and optimize market operations, including congestion management and locational marginal pricing.	Congestion Costs, Locational Prices	PLEXOS, BID3, GridSim	0-10
Resilience and Climate Adaptation	Evaluate grid vulnerabilities to climate risks and propose adaptive measures to enhance resilience and mitigate impacts.	Risk Maps, Infrastructure Vulnerability	OpenCLIM, ARCGIS, Custom Models	10-30