How EnergyTron uses ETAP GIS data to accelerate and secure large-scale distribution network modeling

Depending on the size, we are representing several million customers, and modeling this in ETAP would be a massive task without GIS integration. Using ETAP鈥檚 capabilities saves time, eliminates errors, and gives us confidence in the accuracy of the network.

Mr. Khandoker Wahidul Islam, Principal Electrical Engineer, EnergyTron

This case study presents how ETAP GIS functions with direct communication with ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) geodatabase and map content. The geospatial electrical design module from ETAP streamlines the design process for this engineering consultancy for their brownfield projects by providing valuable information on existing electrical assets and terrain features. The success of this integration relies on the accuracy and completeness of the GIS data.

EnergyTron is a multidisciplinary engineering and consultancy firm delivering innovative solutions across power systems, renewable energy, infrastructure, construction, and sustainability. With proven expertise in electrical design, project management, feasibility studies, surveying, GIS mapping, and advanced asset monitoring, we support clients in achieving reliable, cost-effective, and future-ready outcomes.

Their capabilities extend beyond traditional engineering into cutting-edge research in aquaponics, hydroponics, and bio-gas, reflecting our commitment to sustainable technologies and environmental responsibility. By leveraging a global network of multidisciplinary resources to deliver projects efficiently, EnergyTron is able to integrate international expertise with local knowledge for optimal results.

Location: Perth, Western Australia

Year: 2023

Geo-reference electrical distribution network design

Challenges

The key challenges are related to the size and scale of this client’s projects:

1. Extreme network complexity

Highly congested urban areas with overhead and underground assets intertwined
Multiple coexisting voltage levels (132 kV, 33 kV, 11 kV, LV)
On a single pole: different feeders, different voltage levels, multiple LV circuits, and several customer service drops

2. Identification difficulties

Manual drawings or outdated single-line diagrams are no longer sufficient
Maintaining data accuracy becomes nearly impossible as personnel change and networks evolve

3. Constant evolution of the field network

Customer connections, reconfigurations, feeder splits, undergrounding, and upgrades create continuous change
Survey data must be validated, mapped, and synchronized to avoid losses of knowledge

4. High error risk when redrawing manually

Recreating millions of assets inside a power system model is:

time-consuming
prone to human errors
and unsustainable at scale

Which solutions did they choose?

Selected applications

ETAP GIS to enable accurate, large-scale georeferenced network modeling.

ETAP ESRI ArcGIS Interface to easily convert system model data from ESRI ArcGIS to ETAP, transferring all the electrical data and geospatial information.

Additionally, EnergyTron partnered with ETAP Research and Development teams in a joint effort focused on:

Reliable extraction and migration of GIS data directly into ETAP
Automated mapping of attributes for conductors, cables, transformers, and equipment
Identification and handling of complex field situations
Reducing manual intervention to virtually zero

This collaboration contributed to enhancements to ETAP, significantly improving accuracy and migration efficiency not only for our company, but for all customers who can now use this new functionality.

Key Result: Migration time reduced from 18–20 hours to under 3 hours.

Why do they use ETAP?

Main customer benefits

By integrating actual GIS network data into ETAP, EnergyTron achieved:

Error-free modeling based on real as-built information
Major time savings by eliminating manual redrawing
Comprehensive visualization of overhead/underground systems in dense urban environments
Immediate visibility of problem areas, such as overloads, voltage drops, and customer growth hotspots
Continuous synchronization between field updates, GIS systems, and ETAP models
Accurate and accessible network information for planning, studies, and maintenance teams
A scalable and repeatable process for large utilities managing millions of customers

Looking ahead

Short-term goals

Further refine attribute mapping and batch-editing workflows
Improve post-migration update processes
Continue reducing manual steps and increasing automation

Long-term vision

Seamless integration of protection data
End-to-end migration with near-zero user intervention
Scalable, robust modeling workflows for utilities worldwide

EnergyTron will continue collaborating closely with ETAP, providing field insights, R&D support, and operational feedback to advance the next generation of GIS-driven power system modeling tools.

What do they think about ETAP?

Customer perspectives

GIS is a crucial aspect of larger distribution network designs, and ETAP has been a great partner for EnergyTron's electrical division in this regard. We have been working together over the past few years, delivering numerous projects, and we will continue to cooperate closely in the future.

— Mr. Khandoker Wahidul Islam, Principal Electrical Engineer, EnergyTron

ETAP has been very open and supportive during our two-year collaboration. Version 22 already delivers major improvements, and we’re continuing to push the boundaries together.

— Mr. Khandoker Wahidul Islam, Principal Electrical Engineer, EnergyTron

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Case Studies