EnerNex A CESI Company Logo
Let's Talk

Power Systems Consulting: Navigating the Grid’s Next Generation

Power quality research is crucial in today’s modern context to ensure the reliable and efficient operation of increasingly complex electrical systems.

As the electric power industry accelerates toward a decentralized, digitized, and decarbonized future, utilities and grid operators face mounting complexity. Today’s challenges demand more than traditional engineering—they require integrated power systems consulting that connects real-time operations, advanced modeling, and regulatory foresight.

At EnerNex, we work at the intersection of policy, planning, and technology to support grid modernization strategies grounded in real-world conditions. We don’t just recommend solutions—we test, model, and guide their implementation.

 

What Power Systems Consulting Means Today

Power systems consulting is no longer limited to steady-state studies and relay settings. In today’s landscape, it encompasses:

  • Model validation for inverter-based resources (IBRs) in accordance with evolving MOD-26/27 and IEEE 2800 guidelines

  • Electromagnetic transient (EMT) analysis for grid-forming and grid-following resources

  • Short circuit and dynamic stability studies for increasingly complex DER portfolios

  • Support for NERC registration and audit preparedness, especially amid shifting definitions of bulk electric system (BES) applicability

  • System-wide harmonics, voltage flicker, and fault ride-through evaluations for compliance and reliability assurance

  • Advisory services that bridge utility teams, regulators, and OEMs with aligned technical expectations

Real-World Applications of Power Systems Consulting

As the electric power industry accelerates toward a decentralized, digitized, and decarbonized future, utilities and grid operators face mounting complexity. Today’s challenges demand more than traditional engineering—they require integrated power systems consulting that connects real-time operations, advanced modeling, and regulatory foresight.

At EnerNex, we work at the intersection of policy, planning, and technology to support grid modernization strategies grounded in real-world conditions. We don’t just recommend solutions—we test, model, and guide their implementation.

 

[ESIG] Proactive Planning for Generation Interconnection: A Case Study of SPP and MISO

EnerNex performed power system studies for the Energy Systems Integration Group (ESIG) that shows proactive generation interconnection planning can reduce system reinforcement costs significantly. Our studies evaluated generation interconnection costs of a medium level three-year study window, using PSSe cases to evaluate system reinforcements needed to support new generation in the base and N-1 contingency cases, on both the SPP and MISO systems. These evaluations were used in the ESIG study that found that increasing the proactiveness of the generation interconnection process by lengthening the time horizon, lowered costs.

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Dynamic Line Ratings Report

Dynamic Line Ratings Report: The electric grid is a complex system-of-systems that is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity to customers. If a transmission system component, such as an overhead line, is operating at its physical limit, system operators may choose to run a more expensive generator over a less expensive one in order to meet safety and system reliability standards. The events and costs associated with the sub optimal commitment and dispatch of generators is known as congestion. Congestion costs can be quite substantial; the sum of real time congestion cost among major U.S. system operators in 2016 was $4.8 billion.

Case Study: Underground Cable Integration and System-Level Transient Analysis

EnerNex supported a major European transmission operator in evaluating the integration of an 18 km underground cable segment within a broader 88 km high-voltage corridor traversing a mountainous tunnel route. Using EMTP software, the project was structured into three technical work packages: data modeling and validation, system-level transient analysis, and equipment-level stress assessments. System-level studies focused on identifying harmonics, resonance risks, temporary overvoltages (TOV) from switching and faults, and the impact of transformer energization. Equipment-level analysis addressed the stress on circuit breakers, surge arresters, and the implications of reclosing strategies in a mixed overhead and underground configuration. The results provided critical insight for safe, reliable cable deployment in a high-risk terrain.

Getting Offshore Wind Power on the Grid: T&D World Article

As offshore wind projects expand in North America, EnerNex supports developers with technical studies that address power delivery over long undersea cables, grid connection impacts, and system reliability. Our work includes evaluating high-voltage AC vs. DC transmission, mitigating overvoltage and harmonic issues, and ensuring stable integration at coastal substations. By analyzing switching behavior, reactive power control, and system interactions, we help projects meet grid requirements while minimizing equipment needs and avoiding offshore harmonic filters. These services support reliable, cost-effective offshore wind integration into the broader transmission system. Se more in our T&D World article.

Generator Grouping and Voltage Corrections for REI Reduction in Power Networks

This work proposes improvements to the Radial Equivalent Independent (REI) reduction approach originally proposed by Dimo. REI equivalency is typically used for reducing external systems. Some early literature suggests that the REI method may offer reduced accuracy compared to the Extended Ward method. The improvements suggested in this work aim to enhance accuracy and are centered on generator grouping and equivalent system voltage correction. These improvements are tested on an example system subject to typical control center applications such as contingency analysis and load change. The results show that the methods proposed offer significant improvements over the original REI approach.

Interested In Exploring Power Systems Consulting? Connect With One Of Our Experts.

David Mueller

David Mueller

Vice President of Energy Systems Studies

Muhammad Humayun

Muhammad Humayun

Principal Consultant

Vadim Zheglov

Vadim Zheglov

Principal Consultant

Mariana Kamel

Mariana Kamel

Principal Consultant

Chandra Pallem

Chandra Pallem

Principal Consultant

Sean Cantrelle

Sean Cantrelle

Consultant

Thomas Cavicchi

Thomas Cavicchi

Principal Consultant

X