IEC 61970-301:2020

IEC 61970-301:2020 - Overview

IEC 61970-301:2020 defines the Common Information Model (CIM) base for the Energy Management System Application Program Interface (EMS-API). The CIM is an abstract, vendor-neutral model that represents major electric utility objects (equipment, measurements, topology, controls and more) to enable consistent semantics for power system data exchange. By standardizing object classes, attributes and relationships, IEC 61970-301 facilitates interoperability between network applications, EMS/SCADA systems, inter-control centre links and other enterprise systems involved in generation, transmission and distribution operations.

This 2020 edition (model content version IEC61970CIM17v38, 2020‑01‑21) includes notable updates:

• Added Feeder modelling
• Added ICCP configuration modelling
• Corrections from interoperability testing and improved documentation
• Updated Annex A custom extensions; Annex B PST transformer examples; Annex C HVDC use cases

Key topics and technical scope

• CIM modeling notation and packages - UML-based structure that defines classes, relationships, inheritance and aggregation for utility objects.
• Connectivity and topology model - standardized representation of nodes, terminals, conducting equipment and connectivity for network analysis.
• Transformer and PST modelling - detailed transformer and tap models; examples for phase-shifting transformer (PST) configuration.
• Measurements, controls and regulating devices - objects for telemetry, control points and regulating control logic needed for EMS functions.
• DC and HVDC modelling - direct current systems and specific HVDC use cases (added in Annex C).
• SCADA scope - modelled to the extent required for power system simulation and inter-control centre communication.
• ICCP configuration - models for configuring inter-control communications (added in this edition).
• Feeder model - supports distribution feeder representation for planning and operations.

Applications and who uses it

IEC 61970-301 is used by:

• Utility operators (transmission & distribution) for consistent system models across EMS, DMS and SCADA.
• EMS/SCADA vendors and software developers to implement interoperable interfaces and data exchanges.
• System integrators and consultants who map vendor-specific data to a common semantic model.
• Control centers and inter-control communications teams using ICCP/TASE.2 links.
• Research and simulation teams needing standardized models for power system studies.

Practical benefits:

• Enables multivendor integration and reduced integration effort.
• Improves data consistency for state estimation, contingency analysis and network planning.
• Supports automation, testing and interoperability campaigns.

Related standards

• IEC 61970 family (EMS-API series) - complements other parts of IEC 61970.
• Commonly used alongside IEC 61968 (distribution information models) and IEC 61850 (substation automation) where system-level mapping is required.

Keywords: IEC 61970-301:2020, Common Information Model, CIM, EMS-API, power system interoperability, SCADA, ICCP, feeder modelling, HVDC, transformer modelling, utility standards.