#USA #Boston #envelio #LoadSEER #Integral Analytics

Innovative Partnership in Utility Planning

The evolving landscape of utility planning has received a significant boost with the announcement of a strategic partnership between envelio, Inc. and Integral Analytics. This collaboration aims to revolutionize how electric utilities approach forecasting and system planning through the integration of LoadSEER®—Integral Analytics' robust load forecasting application—with envelio's Intelligent Grid Platform. This new synergy promises to streamline operational workflows and enhance the utility planning process, making it more efficient and data-driven.

The Importance of Forecasting in Utility Planning

In today's energy sector, accurate load forecasting is paramount. Utilities across the United States are increasingly adopting forward-looking assumptions about load growth to effectively support distribution system planning, interconnection analysis, and grid modernization efforts. By integrating LoadSEER's advanced load forecasting outputs with the Intelligent Grid Platform's distribution network modeling capabilities, utilities gain the ability to apply these forecasts directly within grid-aware planning workflows.

This integration eliminates the traditional painstaking process of translating forecasts manually between disconnected tools, thereby enhancing the reliability of grid simulations and planning studies. As electric utilities face pressures from electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), and changing customer behavior, having precise forecasting directly embedded into planning models is essential for strategic decision-making.

The Benefits of the Integration

The combined capabilities afforded by this partnership allow utilities to:

1. Apply advanced load forecasts directly within grid-based scenario and load flow analyses, enhancing their predictive capabilities.
2. Evaluate the impact of projected demand growth on feeders, transformers, and substations across various planning horizons, aiding in infrastructure readiness.
3. Improve hosting capacity assessments by integrating forecasted loads with existing and queued projects, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with future demands.
4. Strengthen interconnection and queue management workflows by utilizing consistent forecast assumptions, making planning more cohesive.

For instance, utility planners can assess whether load growth driven by electrification or DER adoption will pose constraints at the feeder or transformer level prior to entering new projects into the interconnection queue. This integrated method mitigates risk and offers more confidence in addressing network constraints directly against forecasted demand.

Seamless Transition from Planning to Engineering

Typically, utilities rely on forecast-driven scenarios for various critical operations like distribution system planning, interconnection studies, and long-term investment decisions. However, inconsistencies often arise when these forecasts transition from planning teams to engineering-grade grid analyses. The integration of LoadSEER and the Intelligent Grid Platform resolves this common issue, ensuring that forecasting assumptions remain consistent through the planning and engineering phases.

This reduction in manual data transfers and interpretation not only shortens planning cycles but also increases confidence in the technical results supplied for internal decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Supporting the Future of Electrification and DER Growth

As the demand for cleaner energy grows, utilities face the increasing necessity of accounting for the impact of electrification, DER adoption, and evolving customer behavior on load patterns. The integration of LoadSEER with the Intelligent Grid Platform enables utilities to assess these impacts through detailed modeling, pinpointing areas where growth may lead to capacity constraints or the need for targeted grid upgrades. This precise evaluation aids in making informed prioritization for grid investments, providing the necessary engineering-validated inputs for long-term distribution system strategy.

A Vision for the Future

This innovative partnership symbolizes an important evolution in the utility sector, with industry leaders believing in the significant advantages it will present. Luigi Montana, CEO of envelio, stated, “Utilities already use forecast-based scenarios to plan their grids. This integration improves how those forecasts are applied inside network-aware planning models.” Likewise, Scott Smith, President of Integral Analytics, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, indicating it would enable utilities to accelerate their planning and operational responses, leading to a more reliable energy system for customers and communities.

The two companies are well aware that they share common clients in the electric utility sector, frequently addressing similar challenges in the distribution planning workflow. By joining forces, they seek to align forecasting with grid analysis in a way that reflects the current practices of utilities.

Upcoming Presentation at DTECH 2026

Further details about this promising integrated solution will be showcased at DTECH 2026, from February 3-5 in San Diego, where both companies will hold a joint press conference to discuss the integration and future roadmap. Any utility interested in learning more is encouraged to reach out to either envelio or Integral Analytics for further information.

About envelio, Inc. and Integral Analytics

envelio, Inc. is recognized for providing software that enhances the efficiency and transparency of electric utility planning, interconnections, and operations. Its Intelligent Grid Platform serves various applications, including hosting capacity analysis, interconnection studies, load flow analysis, and grid upgrade planning. Meanwhile, Integral Analytics specializes in state-of-the-art analytics software for electric utilities, particularly in load forecasting and system analytics.

This partnership is set to reshape utility planning practices, making a crucial step towards a more effective and sophisticated energy grid.