Germany – Network management software services – Netzdatenplattform

SWA Netze GmbH operates the distribution networks in Augsburg and the surrounding region. The power grid comprises approximately 2,500 km of cable network, around 350 km of overhead lines, about 1,061 transformer stations (including feed-in stations), and approximately 180,000 electricity meters; it supplies over 350,000 people in the region. This scale defines requirements for scalability, data quality, integration capability, and secure, auditable operation. The low-voltage system is evolving from a passive distribution area to an actively managed system. Decentralised additions (PV, heat pumps, electric mobility, storage) increase volatility and shift bottlenecks across the network; regulatory requirements demand grid-friendly use of flexibilities with high system security. This leads to the central task: controlling in the low-voltage range – not as a sum of isolated functions, but as a consistent capability to derive a coherent situation picture from data and implement selective, compliant measures. The NS-Netzdatenplattform addresses this task as a technical basis. It consolidates operational, event, and master data from the field and system world and provides a uniform view of the network status down to the last mile. Standardised, open interfaces integrate existing systems (e.g. control, GIS/asset, market, and process systems) and enable consistent, secure data provision for operation, planning, and reporting obligations. The focus is on interoperability: a modular, scalable structure with decoupled components avoids proprietary dependencies and protects investments. Information security and data protection are integral components. Role and rights concepts, data protection-friendly configurations, traceable logging, and documented technical and organisational measures support compliant, auditable operation. Technical interfaces are secured according to the state of the art; operating models consider high availability, restart capability, and defined responsibilities. In operational use, the platform increases transparency of states and events, shortens reaction and restoration times, and reduces duplicate data entry and manual transfers. Selective interventions replace blanket restrictions and enable grid-friendly use of decentralised flexibilities. For planning and optimisation, data is provided consistently and can be used for analyses, forecasts, and scenarios. The architecture supports the stepwise expansion for future use cases without media discontinuities. For SWA Netze, this means integrating the existing system landscape in a structured manner and securing data quality through defined processes. The platform provides clearly defined responsibility and data flows, supports audit and evidence obligations, and creates a reliable basis for audit and reporting purposes. At the same time, the decoupled, standard-based architecture enables development to the extent that field infrastructure, equipment inventory, and market processes grow. In summary, the NS-Netzdatenplattform forms the technical foundation to make the low-voltage system manageable as an active system. It delivers a consistent situation picture, enables compliant, effective interventions, and provides open, secure data flows for operation, planning, and regulatory requirements. Thus, the solution addresses the new core task of "controlling in the low-voltage range" appropriately and economically – today and with an eye on the next expansion stages.