Xcel Energy has selected intelligent grid connection solutions provider, GridUnity, and its GridInterConnect™ for transmission platform to manage the full lifecycle of large-generation interconnection projects for the Public Service Company of Colorado (PSCo).

GridUnity, which recently launched its new platform—GridInterConnect—to help transmission owners comply with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Order 2023, is expanding its footprint in the active Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) region, which spans 14 Western US states and extends from Canada to Mexico. WECC is preparing for 172 GW of new generation and significant load growth over the next decade.

Through this deployment, PSCo confirmed it is advancing its commitment to infrastructure modernization and process efficiency. The GridInterConnect platform will also streamline the cluster study and cost allocation processes, while enhancing visibility for all stakeholders. Looking ahead, the platform’s AI-driven insights will enable smarter forecasting, cost estimation, and resource planning as project complexity grows.

GridUnity’s GridInterConnect software replaces manual and siloed workflows with a centralized, AI-driven platform that supports the complete interconnection lifecycle management process from pre-application information publishing through to project commissioning. Its unique intelligence capabilities ensure continuous learning while delivering core functions like real-time data validation, task tracking, deadline management, and secure integration with enterprise tools such as SAP, Oracle Financials, and the leading power-flow solvers used in grid analysis.

GridInterConnect for Transmission features include:

  • FERC Order 2023 compliance: GridInterConnect manages cluster studies, automating some key parts of the current manual process to accelerate it, resulting in shorter queues and quicker interconnection.
  • Improved customer transparency: As a system of record for the entire interconnection process, the platform offers constantly accessible, updated project information, removing long waits and guesswork from the process.
  • The ‘network effect’: Enabling realtime, curated, secure data sharing between independent system operators (ISOs), transmission owners, and developers, GridInterConnect fosters seamless coordination and a unified audit trail. The shared platform unlocks AI-driven insights from a centralized Data Lake, accelerating approvals and empowering stakeholders to innovate across the interconnection lifecycle.
  • Audit logs: The GridInterConnect software tracks all applications, communications, payments, and project progress so it can be reviewed either in aggregate to provide critical data for ongoing system improvements or individually to deliver a clear project timeline and narrative.
  • Integration with utility systems: The platform integrates with existing utility software through secure Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to bring together multiple functions across the utility, improving internal communication and ensuring data fidelity.
  • Security: With SOC 2 version 2 and NIST 800-171 certification, the GridUnity platform is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) with geographic redundancy and role-based security.