Smart grids start with smart planning

We currently process approximately 10,000 connection requests per month to medium and low voltage grids through our web interface for non-binding determination of the nearest possible grid connection points. The automatic connection determination by envelio (OCC) enables our customers to quickly identify potential connection points on their own. This significantly improves the quality and the implementation rate of the projects. At the same time, we were able to substantially reduce the overall processing time of connection requests. The OCC is therefore a crucial component in achieving the climate protection targets in our grid area.

After automating the technical evaluation of the available grid capacity, we were able to significantly speed up our connection request processes. We have reduced our workload in the areas of grid planning and grid connection services, and our customers are happy their requests are now processed faster.

In some cases, it would not have been possible to anticipate the high load without the IGP. The IGP provides calculation results which already take existing as well as approved but not yet installed generators into account. That is why we were able to visualize a rapid concentration of assets set to be put into operation and based on this information, we can already initiate grid expansion measures at an early stage.

We are preparing our grids for reliable supply in a complex energy system. By designing and applying automation to eliminate congestion using the IGP, we implement a key element for grid-oriented management of flexibilities in low voltage grids.

Like all grid operators, we are facing a significant increase in grid connection requests. With the IGP, we consider ourselves optimally prepared for this challenge and other aspects of the energy transition. In addition to the technical grid connection assessment, which has been smoothly integrated into the registration process at TraveNetz, we can, for example, use future grid scenario analyses created with the ‘Grid Study’ application as an important aid in investment decisions for grid expansion.

Convincing everyone in the company about the importance of digitalization wasn’t always easy, and we faced significant challenges with our data quality. However, the experienced team at envelio consistently provided friendly and helpful support. With the introduction of the Intelligent Grid Platform (IGP), we can now pull data from various systems for grid calculations, enabling us to evaluate the utilization of our entire network for the first time.

In cooperation with envelio, we managed to deploy two digital solutions in our IT landscape – Online Connection Check and Connection Request.
Online Connection Check has been used by more than 80,000 of our customers since the beginning of the year, and this confirms the great interest in connecting renewable sources to our distribution system. This is also why we are happy to offer our customers an online, intuitive tool.
Connection Request, on the other hand, is used for faster processing of customer requests, and here we found that the new process is twice as fast as our previous system thanks to Connection Request.