Our Services
Two complementary practice tracks: Engineering & Grid Studies for developers and utilities, and Planning, Policy & Markets for state agencies, regulators, and ISOs.
Interconnection Studies
We perform complete system impact studies for all renewable and conventional generation projects seeking interconnection to the bulk power system. Our expertise spans both strong and weak grid conditions, with specialized capabilities in challenging cases requiring EMT analysis and advanced control assessment.
- Steady-state power flow analysis
- Short-circuit / fault current studies
- Dynamic stability (transient & small-signal)
- EMT studies for weak grid conditions (SCR < 3)
- Grid-forming control studies for battery storage
- SCRCCT screening & subsynchronous analysis
- Affected system studies coordination
- Study report preparation & review
Grid-Forming Control Studies
Specialized studies for Energy Storage Resources (ESR) and other IBRs to assess grid-forming control capabilities. Required by SPP and other ISOs for battery storage interconnection, these studies evaluate whether storage systems can support weak grids through advanced control.
- Grid-forming capability assessment
- Voltage & frequency support evaluation
- Black start capability studies
- Islanding & resynchronization analysis
- Control system validation
- EMT modeling for grid-forming IBRs
EMT & PSCAD Studies
Specialized EMT studies for all types of inverter-based resources (IBR) and power electronic systems. Required by many ISOs for interconnection studies in weak grid conditions (low Short Circuit Ratio) and for subsynchronous oscillation analysis.
- EMT studies for interconnection (ISO-required)
- IBR-focused EMT stability studies
- Weak grid / low SCR analysis (SCR < 3)
- Subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) screening & detailed studies
- Converter-driven stability analysis
- SCRCCT screening studies
- Control interaction studies
- Vendor model validation & QA
- Harmonic analysis & filtering
Integrated Resource Planning (IRP)
We help municipal utilities, cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and state agencies develop comprehensive, defensible Integrated Resource Plans that balance reliability, affordability, and sustainability. Our team leads the full technical scope — from building load forecast models and evaluating existing energy portfolios to capacity expansion optimization and production cost simulation — delivering scenario-based plans that meet regulatory requirements and withstand stakeholder scrutiny.
- Load forecasting across multiple growth scenarios (5, 10, 15, and 20-year horizons)
- Existing energy portfolio evaluation & retirement analysis
- Capacity expansion optimization modeling
- Production cost modeling & dispatch simulation
- Resource adequacy & reserve margin assessment
- Renewable integration & storage optimization
- Risk analysis & scenario-based planning
- Regulatory compliance & filing support (state & federal)
- Stakeholder engagement & public-facing presentations
- Action plan development & implementation roadmap
Decarbonization Pathways Analysis
We model the evolution of state and utility energy systems across all sectors — electricity, buildings, transportation, and industry — to support state energy plans and net-zero strategies. Our pathways analyses combine capacity expansion optimization, production cost modeling, GHG emissions accounting, and stock rollover modeling to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and reliability implications of decarbonization scenarios over medium- and long-term horizons through 2050.
- Economy-wide and sector-specific pathway modeling (electricity, buildings, transport)
- Capacity expansion modeling with high-penetration renewables and storage
- Production cost & dispatch simulation with GHG emissions accounting
- Stock rollover modeling (EV, heat pump, building HVAC adoption)
- Scenario forecasting, back-casting, and optimization-based analyses
- Sensitivity analysis on technology costs, policy levers, and adoption rates
- Benchmarking against multiple data sources and literature
- Quantitative analysis to support state energy plans and CES filings
Wholesale Market Design & Analysis
We support state agencies, ISOs, and regulators in evaluating and refining wholesale electricity market design as the grid integrates higher levels of renewables, storage, and DERs. Our work spans market rules and product design, capacity accreditation methodologies, resource adequacy modeling, and the interactions between wholesale markets and state policy goals.
- Wholesale market rule and product design analysis
- Capacity accreditation methodology evaluation (ELCC, MRI)
- Resource adequacy modeling — IRM, LCRs, Expected Unserved Energy
- Capacity value studies for renewables, storage, and hybrid resources
- Reliability impact assessment of new market rules
- NYISO/ISO-NE/PJM/MISO/CAISO market structure benchmarking
- Regulatory testimony and stakeholder presentations
- Wholesale-retail market interface analysis
Retail Rate Design & Utility Business Models
We support utilities, regulators, and state agencies in designing retail rate structures and utility business models that align with modern grid realities — including end-use electrification, distributed energy resources, and changing load shapes. Our analyses help evaluate ratemaking proposals, performance incentives, and the financial implications for utilities and ratepayers.
- Retail rate design (electricity, gas, steam, thermal)
- Time-of-use, demand-flex, and dynamic pricing analysis
- Equitable rate design and distributional rate impact analysis
- DER compensation and value-of-DER tariff design
- Utility business model and revenue-decoupling analysis
- Performance-based ratemaking and incentive mechanism design
- Financial impact modeling for ratemaking proposals
- Regulatory filing support — testimony, comments, discovery responses
DER Valuation & Modeling Tools
We build user-friendly, maintainable computer-based tools that quantify the potential, adoption, and value of distributed energy resources — including distributed generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, demand response, and end-use electrification. Our tools support state agencies, utilities, and program administrators in evaluating DER opportunities at granular spatial and temporal scales.
- Time- and location-specific DER potential estimation
- Supply curves with constrained resource potential by block
- Learning curve modeling for projected technology cost trajectories
- Adoption modeling under market competition and policy scenarios
- Investment return analysis (payback, IRR, life-cycle costs, BCA)
- Rate design impact on DER economics
- Subsidy, code & standard scenario modeling
- Tool architecture designed for transferability and QA
Energy Equity & Affordability Analysis
We provide rigorous quantitative analysis of how energy policies, rate designs, and clean energy programs affect energy affordability and distributional equity — with particular attention to disadvantaged communities (DACs) and low-to-moderate income households. Our analyses combine geographic and socioeconomic data with rate impact modeling to evaluate counterfactuals and forecast equity outcomes of policy alternatives.
- Distributional rate impact and energy burden analysis
- Equity impact assessment for policies, programs, and tariff proposals
- Disadvantaged community (DAC) and Priority Population impact analysis
- Geographic and demographic equity mapping
- Counterfactual scenario modeling
- Energy affordability forecasting under policy alternatives
- Cost and benefit distribution across household income groups
- Stakeholder reporting and regulatory testimony support
Grid Resilience & Hazard Mitigation
We provide the engineering analysis that utilities and municipalities need to strengthen their grid against extreme weather, wildfires, and other hazards. Our resilience studies quantify risk, evaluate hardening alternatives, and develop defensible benefit-cost analyses that support federal and state grant applications — including FEMA BRIC, HMGP, and DOE Grid Resilience programs.
- Grid vulnerability & risk assessment
- Undergrounding feasibility & cost-benefit analysis
- Microgrid design & islanding studies
- Distribution hardening prioritization
- Wildfire risk mitigation planning
- Extreme weather resilience modeling
- Benefit-cost analysis for grant applications (FEMA BRIC, HMGP, DOE)
- Backup generation & energy storage sizing
- Critical facility protection planning
- Post-event restoration & rebuild engineering
HVDC System Studies
Comprehensive HVDC system studies for the growing portfolio of DC transmission projects. With 26 GW of HVDC projects in development across SPP alone, we provide expert analysis for LCC and VSC technologies, model verification, and subsynchronous interaction studies.
- LCC & VSC HVDC system studies
- HVDC model verification & benchmarking
- Subsynchronous oscillation (SSO) analysis
- Harmonic filtering design review
- Insulation coordination studies
- Control system analysis
- Converter transformer specifications
- Power quality assessment
Large Load Interconnection
Specialized interconnection studies for large loads including data centers, industrial facilities, and manufacturing plants. With 26+ GW of large load requests in the SPP queue, we understand the unique requirements and fast timelines for these critical infrastructure projects.
- Large load system impact studies
- Power quality & harmonic analysis
- Voltage stability assessment
- Reliability & redundancy studies
- Fast-track study coordination
- Distribution-transmission interface analysis
Subsynchronous Oscillation (SSO) Analysis
Comprehensive subsynchronous oscillation analysis for IBRs, HVDC systems, and series-compensated networks. Required by most ISOs for interconnection of inverter-based resources and DC transmission projects.
- SSO screening studies (EMT-based)
- Detailed SSO stability analysis
- Control interaction assessment
- Series compensation impact studies
- Mitigation strategy development
- NERC MOD-032/033 compliance support
Owner's Engineer
We serve as your independent technical representative throughout the entire project lifecycle, ensuring contractors, vendors, and EPC teams meet performance standards, safety requirements, and contractual obligations. From design through commissioning, we protect your investment and ensure project success.
- Design review & technical verification
- Construction monitoring & site inspections
- Quality control & testing oversight
- Contract compliance verification
- Commissioning & performance testing
- Cost & schedule management support
- Safety (EHS) oversight
- Vendor & EPC contractor management
NERC Compliance
Complete support for NERC reliability standards compliance including model validation, testing, and audit preparation.
- MOD-025, MOD-026, MOD-027 compliance
- PRC-019, PRC-024, PRC-025 support
- Generator model validation
- On-site testing coordination
- Audit-ready documentation
AI & Automation
Leverage AI and automation to accelerate study timelines, improve accuracy, and unlock insights from your power systems data.
- Custom Python automation for PSSE/TARA/PSCAD
- Machine learning for predictive analytics
- Automated report generation
- Data pipeline development
- Custom dashboard & visualization tools
Economic & Market Analysis
Production cost modeling and market analysis to support investment decisions, optimize project economics, and reduce commercial risk. Our bankable forecasts help developers, investors, and lenders evaluate project viability and maximize returns across energy, capacity, and ancillary service markets.
- Hourly energy price forecasting (20+ year horizons)
- Merchant revenue analysis & optimization
- Economic feasibility studies for project finance
- Curtailment & congestion risk assessment
- PPA vs. merchant tail analysis
- Battery storage revenue stacking (energy + capacity + ancillary)
- Renewable capture rate forecasting
- Basis risk & nodal LMP analysis
- Asset valuation for lenders & investors
Transmission & Distribution Planning
Comprehensive integrated planning studies spanning the bulk power system and electric distribution. We evaluate transmission expansion, distribution capabilities, and the interface between them — supporting utilities, ISOs, and state agencies in moving toward more integrated planning approaches that enable accelerated integration of zero-emission resources, deliverability, and grid flexibility.
- Load flow, contingency, and voltage stability analysis
- Transmission expansion planning & deliverability studies
- Distribution System Implementation Plan (DSIP) review
- Integrated T&D modeling and forecasting
- Marginal cost and load forecasting at granular spatial/temporal scales
- Resource adequacy assessment and coordination with IRPs
- Grid flexibility and zero-emission integration analysis
- EVSE technical standards and interconnection considerations
Developer Services
Comprehensive support for renewable energy developers from project conception through commissioning. We help navigate the complex interconnection process, manage queue positions, and ensure your project meets all technical and regulatory requirements. See our dedicated Owner's Engineer section for construction oversight services.
- Queue management & strategy
- ISO/RTO application preparation & filing support
- Site selection & feasibility studies
- Independent engineering for lenders & investors
- Technical due diligence & risk assessment
- Commissioning & performance testing
- Network upgrade cost analysis & mitigation
- Milestone tracking & compliance coordination
Ready to Optimize Your Project?
Let's discuss your interconnection study, compliance requirements, or automation needs. Our team is ready to help.