Project Title:
Distributed Energy Storage System (DESS) Planning Platform for the City of Medicine Hat

Challenge Area:
Grid Decongestion at the Distribution Level

Focus Areas:

• Predictive modeling

• Energy storage integration

• System planning and simulation

Project Objectives

• Identify optimal DESS locations and sizes across Medicine Hat’s grid

• Support overvoltage mitigation and N-1 grid reliability

• Forecast environmental and financial performance of storage investments

• Enable participation in Alberta’s ancillary services and energy markets

• Provide a foundational layer for future “digital twin” grid planning

Project Summary

Arcus Power is developing a smart planning platform to help the City of Medicine Hat optimize the deployment of distributed energy storage systems (DESS). This digital tool enables grid planners to evaluate where and how storage can be installed to deliver maximum value—financially, environmentally, and operationally.

The platform provides real-time insights by simulating various energy storage configurations across the city’s grid. It helps forecast peak demand events, identify grid congestion points, and assess storage options that can reduce emissions, absorb excess solar generation, and participate in Alberta’s ancillary services market.

This project supports Medicine Hat’s broader energy goals by enhancing grid reliability, reducing carbon intensity, and lowering long-term system costs.

Expected Impact

• Grid Resilience – Prevent overvoltage and reduce peak load pressure

• Economic Benefit – Unlock new revenue streams through energy market participation

• Scalability – Platform can be replicated across municipalities and provinces

• Emissions Reduction – Enable informed decisions that lower grid carbon intensity