Curtailment Assessment Studies provide third-party insight that helps lenders and developers make smart choices.

With continued load growth driving up the need for new energy sources, it’s no surprise that clean energy developments, such as those in the solar industry, are rapidly increasing. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), between 2025 and 2030, we can expect to see an average growth of approximately 43GWdc each year in the US.

To speed up interconnection timelines and reduce interconnection costs, distribution utilities are offering flexible interconnections to interconnecting customers. As utilities identify good flexible interconnection candidates, they provide the DER project developer with a curtailment study report.

A curtailment study estimates how often and by how much an asset will operate below its full capacity. Understanding this risk is a critical factor in evaluating overall success and financial viability of a solar development project.

To build a strong case for investors or to meet requirements from lenders, developers are choosing to contract third-party consultants for independent verification. At MEPPI Digital Solutions Department Consultancy and Analysis team, we combine deep expertise in power system analysis with years of real-world operational experience helping developers and investors make informed and confident decisions. Using our in-house study tools and proven methodologies, we deliver efficient assessments that provide a comprehensive view of each project. One recent example was a comprehensive curtailment risk study our team completed for Nautilus Solar. The study focused on two photovoltaic (PV) projects planned for flexible interconnection within ComEd's service area. Serving as a third-party verifier, we conducted an in-depth analysis that offered Nautilus Solar valuable insights into grid conditions that could affect their PV sites.

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to evaluate potential curtailment risks under existing and projected grid dynamics. We developed a scenario-based framework that examined three key perspectives:

•        Baseline Scenario – evaluated project performance under today’s grid conditions to establish a reference case.
•        Load Decrease Scenario – evaluated the impact of extreme load reduction conditions on potential curtailment risk.
•        High PV Penetration Scenario – evaluated future system thresholds to determine when study projects may experience curtailment under ComEd's curtailment cap.

By integrating system modeling with scenario stress testing, we delivered a holistic view of curtailment risk, equipping blank with actionable intelligence for both short-term operations and long-term strategic planning.

“This study highlights MEPPI’s commitment to empowering DER developers and utilities with reliable, data-driven insights that support the transition to a cleaner, more resilient grid,” said Abbey Li, Principal DERMS Consultant and Manager for MEPPI’s Digital Solutions.

“Nautilus is proud to participate in ComEd’s initiative to maximize the use of existing infrastructure, paving the way for more renewable energy to be integrated into the grid. The Curtailment Assessment Study conducted by MEPPI provided us with valuable, data-driven insights that were essential in presenting a compelling case to our lenders and making a well-informed investment decision,” said Laura York, Senior Vice President of Strategic Development at Nautilus Solar. 

As distributed energy resources (DERs) continue to expand, concerns around costly grid upgrades and curtailment are becoming more prominent. Developers like Nautilus Solar need advanced tools like curtailment assessments to evaluate investment viability with confidence.

If you’d like to learn more about our Digital Solutions Department Consultancy team or how we can help you, please contact us HERE.