PowerWorld Simulator
PowerWorld Simulator models high-voltage power system operation interactively, over periods from minutes to days.
What PowerWorld Simulator is
PowerWorld Simulator models high-voltage power system operation interactively, over periods from minutes to days. Its full software can solve power-flow systems of up to 250,000 buses. The base package includes contingency analysis with automatic batch processing, full power-flow or fast linearized analysis, and result views by contingency or impacted facility. For viewing and working with system models, it offers animated diagrams, automated diagram creation and modification, contoured displays, and a model explorer. Optional add-ons include ATC, OPF, SCOPF, reserves optimization, SimAuto, transient stability, GIC, and integrated topology processing. SimAuto lets users extend the software from an external program they write. Simulator also lists industry-standard file-format compatibility and GIS support. It runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 and newer; other operating systems are not supported. The free evaluation is limited to 13 buses, while a first commercial base-package license costs 11000.00 USD once and includes one year of upgrades and support.
Good
- Solves power-flow systems up to 250,000 buses
- Includes contingency analysis in the base package
- Offers animated diagrams and contoured displays
- Optional add-ons cover transient stability and reserves optimization
Watch out
- Runs only on supported Windows systems
- Free evaluation is limited to 13 buses
- First commercial base-package license costs 11000.00 USD once
Who it suits
It suits utilities, system operators, agencies, developers, traders, consultants, and academic users working with high-voltage power systems. Buyers should be prepared to use Windows and assess whether the 13-bus evaluation is sufficient before purchase.
Verdict
PowerWorld Simulator combines large-scale power-flow analysis with diagramming and contingency tools. Its Windows-only support, limited evaluation size, and listed commercial price are key considerations.
Plans and prices
From PowerWorld Simulator's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Simulator evaluation version | Free | Evaluation and educational use only · maximum 13 buses · includes most add-ons |
| Simulator base package (first commercial license) | $11,000, paid once | Commercial license · up to 250,000 buses · US$11,000; includes one year of upgrades and support |
The facts
Each one read from PowerWorld Simulator's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Add-ons
- Optional add-ons include ATC, OPF, SCOPF, reserves optimization, SimAuto, transient stability, GIC, and integrated topology processing.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Analysis
- The base package includes contingency analysis with automatic batch processing, full power-flow or fast linearized analysis, and result views by contingency or impacted facility.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- Simulator lists compatibility with industry-standard file formats and GIS support among its features.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Education
- Educational versions are available to university faculty, staff, and students for teaching and academic research by contacting the company.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The SimAuto add-on lets users extend Simulator functionality from an external program they write.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- PowerWorld says its customers include electric utilities, independent system operators, government agencies, generation and transmission developers, power marketers and traders, consultants, and academia.checked 9 Oct 2026
- License maintenance
- Commercial licenses include one year of upgrades and technical support, and the pricing page lists maintenance renewal at 28% of the corresponding license price at that time.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Simulator interactively simulates high-voltage power system operation over periods from several minutes to several days.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Scale
- The full software can solve power-flow systems of up to 250,000 buses.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The reviewed product, pricing, download, and company pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The company lists technical support by email and says license maintenance includes customer support, upgrades, and software patches.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Visualization
- Features include animated diagrams, automated diagram creation and modification, contoured displays, and a model explorer.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 1996checked 28 Sep 2026
- Headquarters
- Champaign, Illinois, United Stateschecked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform support
- Simulator runs on 64-bit Microsoft Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 and newer; the vendor says no other operating systems are supported.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Trial limit
- The free evaluation download is limited to 13 buses; a full-package evaluation may be offered case by case.checked 9 Oct 2026
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