Home Contact
Jackson Associates JA Clients Previous Applications Analysis/Consulting
Database Summaries 15-Min Hourly Loads RECS Hourly Databases MAISY Household Databases Scope 3 Financed Emissions Database Applications Q&A
CEDMS & REDMS Models Grid Impact Load Models
Publications Miscellaneous Items

Grid Impact Model Resource Page

 

Grid Impact Model Summary

The Grid Impact Model (GIM) is an Excel-based distribution analysis system that uses information on actual residential utility customers to assess load impacts of increased EV growth, electrification and weather extremes on ZIP areas, neighborhoods and feeders/transformers with an AI digital twin model.

Model users can evaluate the impact of these challenges along with options for minimizing local grid impacts using detailed DSM and DER programs and strategies. An additional scenario option identifies potential load support available with virtual power plant (VPP) strategies.

The GIM simulates real-world localized grid behavior with intuitive tools for scenario testing, flexible inputs, and real-time visualization. The model makes complex hourly load modeling both accessible and actionable

GIM Model Resources

GIM Summary Introduction Summary Intro
GIM Summary Introduction 1-minute Executive Overview Video
GIM Summary Introduction 5-minute Online Viewer or pdf presentation of an example EV impact analysis
GIM Summary Introduction Primary Grid Impact Model Web Page
GIM Summary Introduction An Example GIM Model Session
GIM Summary Introduction Download the working GIM Model Demo
GIM Summary Introduction E-MAIL us with questions, comments, or let us know if you would like to have a quick demo walk-through to see model capabilities and answer questions.

Related Papers and Notes


Distribution Analysis, Forecasting and Planning Support

The GIM model bridges the disconnect between high-level awareness of emerging distribution challenges and detailed planning required to protect transformers, feeders, and substations. Model results turn broad trends into quantifiable, location-specific load effects along with analysis of the potential for utility programs to mitigate those load impacts and potentially support grid reliability with VPP programs.

Some examples of GIM model distribution system analyis and planning support are provided below:

System Planning

  • Identify areas where EV growth will stress feeders, transformers, and regulators
  • Develop timelines for upgrades before overloads occur
  • Model weather-driven peak impacts and resilience needs
  • Support general distribution planning with ZIP-level and sub-ZIP forecasts
  • Guide siting of microgrids, storage, non-wires alternatives
  • Provide data for budget planning, board reporting, and long-term load strategy

Support Program Evaluations & Investment Decisions

  • Quantify benefits of managed charging and load shifting
  • Support business cases for ADMS, DERMS, or time-series DMS tools
  • Prioritize SCADA, AMI analytics, and voltage management upgrades
  • Evaluate ROI of load control for HVAC, water heat, and EV charging
  • Provide defensible inputs for grid-modernization and resilience grants
  • Justify hosting-capacity tools, digital twins, and GIS model buildout
  • Help secure funding for software, sensors, and automation deployments

Existing Distribution Planning Tools

  • Import EV growth as load multipliers or time-series profiles in DSA Software
  • Map ZIP and sub-ZIP forecasts to feeders, transformers, or GIS service areas
  • Run unmanaged vs. managed charging scenarios to test peak and voltage impacts
  • Prioritize capital upgrades using overload and hotspot forecasts
  • Apply weather-based load curves in time-series simulations
  • Layer water heater, HVAC, and AC load-control savings to show deferred upgrades
  • Use outputs in hosting-capacity screening and interconnection studies
  • Support screening even without full circuit models by linking loads to ZIP-level transformer counts