Electric Utilities
Solutions for electric transmission and distribution
From planning to performance—engineering software for substation, electric transmission, and electric distribution systems
FEATURED software
Engineering software that connects design, data, and operations across the grid
Bentley empowers electric utilities to modernize every layer of the power grid with intelligent and integrated solutions. Whether you’re modeling substations in 3D, simulating overhead line performance, or managing critical distribution assets, our tools helps utilities plan smarter, build faster, and operate more reliably.
With AI-powered automation, digital twin integration, and real-time collaboration, our solutions accelerate project delivery while ensuring safety, compliance, and resilience.
Explore the three solutions areas
See how we support the full grid lifecycle—from concept through construction and long-term asset performance.
Substation solutions for electric utilities
Building and running substations isn’t easy—there’s a lot to juggle, from design accuracy to safety and compliance. Bentley’s OpenUtilities Substation and related tools make it simpler. We bring everything together with 3D physical design, protection and control, and smart documentation.
No more headaches from manual drafting or disconnected data. Our solutions keep your projects on track and your costs under control.
Accelerate project delivery
Deliver complete electrical substation designs up to 40% faster with integrated 3D modeling and real-time collaboration.
Reduce errors and rework
Avoid costly mistakes with automated clash detection, grounding validation, and safety code compliance checks.
Enable connected workflows
Keep engineering teams and field crews aligned using cloud-connected schematics, data-sharing tools. and version-controlled documentation.
Improve safety and regulatory compliance
Stay compliant with national and international standards through automated grounding analysis, clearance verification, and smart reporting.
Plan for the future with digital twins
Visualize, manage, and analyze substation assets throughout their lifecycle using digital twin technology and AI-drive insights.
“Bentley’s tools allow for better team integration, facilitating collaborative work and real-time updating of design information. OpenUtilities Substation also ensures greater quality and confidence in deliverables, generating reliable reports and quantitative data, culminating in more efficient, faster and cleaner project execution.”
— Jean Michell de Bona Mattos, Substation Electromechanical Designer, COPEL Distribuição S.A.
Software for substation design, construction, and operation
A full lineup to cover every stage of your substation projects
- OpenUtilities Substation – Complete electrical design with integrated 3D and schematics.
- OpenUtilities Designer – GIS-integrated design for smarter grid planning.
- Promis.e – Electrical CAD for protection and control schematics.
- ProjectWise – Data-sharing and team connectivity to keep projects moving.
- iTwin Platform – Digital twin tech for real-time collaboration and asset insights.
- OpenUtilities Substation – Complete electrical design with integrated 3D and schematics.
- OpenUtilities Designer – GIS-integrated design for smarter grid planning.
- Promis.e – Electrical CAD for protection and control schematics.
- ProjectWise – Data-sharing and team connectivity to keep projects moving.
- iTwin Platform – Digital twin tech for real-time collaboration and asset insights.
- EasyPower: Enable quick, accurate electrical modeling and safety analysis.
- SYNCHRO: Build confidently with 4D planning, visualization, and productivity tracking.
- Bentley Infrastructure Cloud: Unify engineering, asset, and operational data into a unified cloud-based environment.
- EasyPower: Enable quick, accurate electrical modeling and safety analysis.
- SYNCHRO: Build confidently with 4D planning, visualization, and productivity tracking.
- Bentley Infrastructure Cloud: Unify engineering, asset, and operational data into a unified cloud-based environment.
Coming in late 2026: OpenUtilities Substation+
We’re building the next generation of substation design—Substation+, a cloud-based platform with AI-powered automation and real-time collaboration. It’s designed for smarter modeling, multi-user workflows, and connected delivery from concept to construction.
Learn more about Bentley OpenUtilities Substation+ Early Access Program
Transmission solutions: Ensuring grid integrity with Bentley
Bentley’s Power Line Systems (PLS) solutions make it easier to design, build, and operate strong, reliable transmission networks. From mapping terrain to placing the final structures, PLS simplifies the entire overhead line design process. With one integrated platform, you’ll work more accurately, cut design time, and keep teams connected. Plus, by automating complex tasks and adding advanced analysis tools, PLS helps you create cost-effective designs that meet international standards—without the stress.
Design in a fully integrated environment
Work across a unified platform that consolidates terrain modeling, structure placement, and conductor data for efficient overhead transmission projects.
Improve accuracy with real-time visualization
Synchronize 3D engineering views, pole/tower layouts, and conductor behavior to catch design issues early and reduce rework.
Automate complex calculations
Save time and reduce errors with automated sag-tension routines, design load calculations, and structural checks built to align with international standards.
Integrate field and survey data
Import LiDAR, photogrammetry, and GIS sources directly into your transmission design workflows for better accuracy and context.
Optimize design with advanced automation
Make real-time design changes with ease using intuitive tools and built-in logic that automate routine tasks, apply engineering rules, and accelerate transmission line layout and validation.
“Otto and the PLS team have created the standard for efficiency and software-enablement of the indispensable work of power transmission engineers. However, the accelerated pace of the global energy transition creates a need for further expansion of and innovation in the grid. We’re confident Bentley Systems can provide the right surrounding constellation to expand Power Line Systems toward full grid digital twins.”
— Ashu Agrawal, a managing director at TA Associates and Power Line Systems
Software solutions for transmission
- PLS-CADD: Design in a fully integrated 3D environment.
- PLS-GRID: Manage and visualize your overhead line data in a single location.
- PLS-POLE: Analyze and design pole structures in a broad range of materials.
- TOWER: Analyze and design steel lattice towers.
- SAPS: Simulate how transmission structures behave in real-world conditions.
- iTwin Experience: Cloud platform that unifies engineering data for real‑time insight, visualization, and collaboration.
- STAAD: Structural engineering for transmission-related assets.
- Bentley Infrastructure Cloud: Unify engineering, asset, and operational data into a unified cloud-based environment.
- CAISSON: Analyze and design reinforced concrete pier foundations
Distribution line solutions: Powering tomorrow's grid, today
Keeping the lights on is more complex than ever. Increasing demands for reliable power, the need to integrate new technologies, and growing pressure to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure – all while keeping costs in check. Our distribution line design software streamlines your workflows, improves accuracy, and enables better decision-making across the lifecycle of your distribution lines. From initial design to ongoing maintenance, we provide the tools you need.
Proactively ensure system integrity
Use pole loading analysis to identify overstressed poles, preventing failures and ensuring reliable service for your customers.
Minimize rework through automated workflows
See how structures and wires interact in a realistic 3D model so you can fix issues long before construction begins.
Unify teams, data, and workflows
Connect stakeholders with shared data, workflows, and joint use management for seamless collaboration and project success.
Ensure safety and regulatory compliance
Adhere to industry codes and safety regulations with built-in compliance checks, clearance criteria, and structural analysis tools
Improve long-term asset management
Track asset conditions and optimize distribution network performance over time using digital twins, modeling history, and inspection data.
“Our company evaluated other software programs and found SPIDA to be our best choice on a long list of relatively long business requirements. SPIDA integrated well with our primary record and data keeping program.”
— A senior specialist Transmission Engineering Southern California Edison
Bentley software for distribution line Design, Construction And Operation
- PLS-CADD/LITE: Design in this streamlined version of PLS-CADD for quick modeling, sag-tension, clearance, and load calculations.
- PLS-POLE: Analyze and design wood, steel, or concrete poles.
- PLS-GRID: Manage and visualize your overhead line data in a single location.
- SPIDAcalc: Streamline the collection, modeling, and optimization of overhead distribution lines.
- SPIDAsilk: Calculate sag and tension analysis with precision.
- SPIDAstudio: Manage the health of your distribution systems with effective workflow management.
- ProjectWise: Keep projects moving with data-sharing and team connectivity.
- iTwin Platform: Access real-time collaboration and asset insights with digital twin technology.
- OpenUtilities Map: Smart CAD-GIS intelligence – built to trace, calculate, and connect utility networks.
- OpenUtilities Designer: Design and manage energy networks using MicroStation®-based layout features that integrate with GIS.
- SYNCHRO: Build confidently with 4D planning, visualization, and productivity tracking
- Bentley Infrastructure Cloud: Unify engineering, asset, and operational data into a unified cloud-based environment.
- Talon: Capture high-fidelity data with drone-powered pole inspection
success stories
Hear from our users
COPEL Distribuição S.A.
Transforming electrical substation design with OpenUtilities Substation
COPEL uses Bentley’s software to automate design and build a component library while speeding development and saving over USD 630,000 annually.
Southwest Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd
Designing stable foundations in mountainous terrain with OpenUtilities Substation
Bentley software created a digital twin for power distribution project to build a stable foundation, enhance efficiency, and save CNY 320 million.
Essential Energy
OpenUtilities and Bentley software enable intelligent substation design, reducing carbon footprint
Essential Energy built smart 3D substation models, reducing design costs 50% and travel 80%, and improving safety with remote upgrade planning.
Exo Inc., Engineering Firm for Evergy Power
Ensuring reliability through grid stabilization with iTwin Capture and Power Line Systems (PLS)
Exo Inc. stabilized a damaged transmission tower, cutting design time by 4 to 6 weeks, preventing a major power outage, and prioritizing safety.
Toth and Associates for Prairie Power
Power Line Systems (PLS) optimizes transmission design to ensure safe and reliable service
Toth & Associates redesigned a 65-year-old storm-damaged transmission line, safely restoring power to 1,500 homes 18 days ahead of schedule.
Utilities Kingston
Streamlining and simplifying pole design analysis with SPIDAcalc
Utilities Kingston automated pole line design process, enabling faster analysis, enhanced workflow efficiency, and reliable regulatory compliance.
BC Hydro
BC Hydro creates consistency in pole design and analysis while ensuring government compliance
By adopting SPIDAcalc, BC Hydro could update and validate standards that meet requirements for geometric nonlinear analysis for pole loading.
Technology turns industry shifts into solution
The electric utilities industry is changing fast—new technologies, sustainability goals, and grid challenges are reshaping the way we work. In this video, our industry expert shares practical insights on what these shifts mean and how you can turn them into opportunities. See how Bentley’s solutions help utilities stay ahead, modernize infrastructure, and lead the way in building a smarter, more resilient future.
Explore our software stories
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