Bentley Systems Unveils Ai-Powered Software To Accelerate Substation Design

• Proeksa Meas
• 4 June 2026
• Construction Focus
• 992 Views

Bentley Systems has launched OpenUtilities Substation+, a new model-based design platform featuring built-in “agentic” AI to safely automate complex engineering workflows​ in the utilities infrastructure sector.

The + version was launched following the surge in global electricity demand from widespread electrification and new data centers. The utilities sector faces immense pressure to design power substations faster despite a shrinking engineering workforce.

Unlike general-purpose AI tools that are prone to errors and hallucinations, Bentley’s software embeds domain-specific AI directly into a trusted 3D modeling environment. This integration allows the AI to fully comprehend every component in a design, such as breakers and transformers, ensuring highly accurate and verifiable results.

The software delivers significant benefits to utilities by automating tedious tasks and boosting productivity. Engineers can use natural language to query design criteria, automatically cross-reference equipment properties to flag conflicts, and calculate specialized engineering values. Furthermore, the AI directly assists with 3D modeling by searching equipment catalogs, placing components, and generating placeholder geometry.

By shifting the engineer’s role from manual execution to expert supervision, Bentley’s platform eliminates project backlogs and minimizes human error. Crucially, the system protects proprietary data, giving utility companies full ownership and auditability over how their intellectual property is used. This purpose-built AI foundation ultimately enables faster project delivery and more reliable grid infrastructure.

Apply for early access to Bentley’s Substation+

• Bentley
• AI
• Bentley Systems
• Substation+
• OpenUtilities