Power Consulting

For grid connectivity under CEA regulations and ISTS/SSTS grid codes, the studies most commonly required are load flow, short circuit, protection coordination and grid code compliance. Solar and wind projects typically also need harmonic analysis and reactive power capability studies. BESS projects additionally require EMT studies for energisation and islanding scenarios. The exact set depends on the voltage level, installed capacity, grid operator and point of connection — send us your LOA and grid connection offer and we will tell you precisely which studies apply.

A standard package — load flow, short circuit, protection coordination and grid code compliance — typically takes three to five weeks from receipt of a complete data set. Arc flash adds one to two weeks. EMT or stability studies add two to four weeks depending on model availability. The critical path is usually data collection: SLD, equipment schedules, relay settings, grid operator impedance data and manufacturer models. We issue a detailed programme with each proposal so the timeline is fixed and contractual.

We work in ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS/E — the choice depends on the study type and grid operator requirements. Load flow, short circuit, arc flash and protection studies are typically performed in ETAP or PowerFactory. Stability and EMT studies use PowerFactory or PSCAD. Earthing studies use CDEGS. We follow the software preference of the utility or lender where one is specified, and we hand over the model files along with the report so results are independently verifiable.

Yes — we work with clients anywhere in the world. NEWATT has delivered studies across Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and we regularly engage on projects at the feasibility stage before a country-specific grid code has even been confirmed. Grid code requirements vary significantly by region and operator — from CEA and ISTS in India, to G99 and the NGET Code in the UK, TNB in Malaysia, NERC in North America, and national utility codes across Africa, the Gulf and Southeast Asia. We review the applicable code at the start of every engagement and scope the studies accordingly, so our clients avoid costly rework at the connection approval stage.

The minimum we need to start modelling is your single-line diagram, the grid connection offer or LOA with the point of connection voltage and fault level, and the main equipment data sheets — transformer ratings and impedances, inverter or generator specifications, and switchgear ratings. For protection studies we also need existing relay types and current transformer ratios. We issue a formal data request list at kick-off and flag any gaps that would affect the programme, so there are no surprises mid-study.

Under the CEA (Technical Standards for Connectivity) Regulations, a grid code compliance study typically covers reactive power capability and voltage regulation, fault ride-through (FRT) performance, protection system requirements, power quality including harmonic limits, and metering and communication requirements. For projects connecting at 66 kV and above under the ISTS grid code, additional requirements apply around frequency response and ramp rate control. We produce a compliance matrix that maps each grid code clause to the study result, which is the format most utilities and NLDC accept for connectivity approval.

Yes — we perform arc flash hazard analysis to IEEE 1584-2018 for industrial plants, substations, data centres and renewable energy facilities across India. The deliverable includes incident energy calculations at each bus, arc flash boundaries, PPE category assignments, and equipment warning labels formatted to NFPA 70E requirements. Where the existing protection settings result in high incident energy levels, we also recommend mitigation measures — typically relay setting adjustments or zone-selective interlocking — that can significantly reduce the hazard category without capital expenditure.

We work on fixed fees with a defined scope and programme. Share your single-line diagram and the applicable grid code requirements and we respond with a fixed price, a clear deliverable list and a programme — typically within two working days. This means no hourly billing surprises and a contractual commitment to the scope. Variation orders only apply if the project scope changes materially after the model is built — for example, a voltage level change or addition of a new feeder that was not in the original SLD.