Thanks to the UTC Insight blog readers that provided "insight" into software packages used to model the communications aspects of the smart grid, from AMI deployment modeling to distribution automation systems. We received half a dozen responses from reader and would like to receive more. Details are provided below.

Popular packages used today, by utilities themselves, all rely on highly detailed terrain data (one second resolution or better) that allows modeling down to the meter level. These are generally considered "high end" analysis tools and cost from $6,000 to over $20,000. More than one reader responded that they are using the EDX Signal and Signal Pro package. Others are using the various forms of the popular package used by wireless carriers called Planet. Pathloss 4.0 is a popular tool for point to point microwave modeling and has some capabilities in the point to multipoint space. Radio Soft Comstudy 2.2, and GIS Viewshed are also mentioned. Finally, one consultant commented that they use OpNet and QualNet. For large scale AMI simulations their opinion is that QualNet can scale to larger numbers of nodes than OpNet.

UTC will continue to provide feedback to the OpenSG Simulations group but would like to hear about other packages. We are also considering investing in one of these packages to provide modeling services and would appreciate any feedback readers and UTC members wish to share.