API and MCP

One connector for AI assistants, one REST API for code. Same five tools, same data.

Get a free key for 100 calls a day, or use the connector without a key for 25.

Connect an AI assistant

MCP server URL:

https://grid.barrioenergy.com/mcp

Claude

Settings, then Connectors, then Add custom connector.
Name it Barrio Grid and paste the URL above. Leave the OAuth fields blank.
Ask: "What substations are within 5 miles of Edna, TX?"

ChatGPT

Settings, then Apps and Connectors, then Create (developer mode on).
Paste the URL above and choose no authentication.

Muse

Send Muse this message:

Build a custom integration to Barrio Grid. Its MCP server URL is https://grid.barrioenergy.com/mcp. It uses streamable HTTP. Instructions are at https://www.barrioenergy.com/grid/skill.md. I want you to be able to look up Texas substations, utilities, ERCOT queue projects and powered land from any future conversation.

If it asks for authentication, choose bearer token and paste your API key in Muse's secure prompt, never in the chat. Without a key it works at the 25 a day limit.

Using your key with a connector

Where the app lets you set a header or token, send Authorization: Bearer grid_.... Pro limits apply to every call made with a Pro key.

REST API

Base URL https://grid.barrioenergy.com/v1/. GET with query parameters or POST JSON. Full schemas: /v1/tools.

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $GRID_KEY" \ "https://grid.barrioenergy.com/v1/nearest_substation?address=Edna,%20TX&min_kv=138"

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer $GRID_KEY" \ "https://grid.barrioenergy.com/v1/find_powered_land?county=Jackson&min_acres=50&max_sub_mi=1"

Tools

Tool	Returns	Main inputs
grid_context	Likely utility, 3 nearest substations, lines, queue projects and planned upgrades around a site	address or lat/lng, radius_mi
nearest_substation	Closest substations with kV, owner, distance in miles	address or lat/lng, min_kv, limit
find_powered_land	Parcels near a qualifying substation, with acres and distance	county or location + radius_mi, min_acres, max_sub_mi, min_kv
ercot_queue	Generation and storage queue projects: fuel, MW, status	county or location + radius_mi
upgrade_to_pro	Pro checkout link	email (optional)

Locations: a street address, a Texas city or county name, or lat and lng. Texas only. Distances in miles.

Limits and errors

Plan	Limit
No key	25 calls a day per session or IP
Free key	100 calls a day
Pro key	5,000 calls a month

Over the limit, REST returns 429 with Retry-After; MCP returns a tool error with the same message. A bad key returns 401. upgrade_to_pro is never counted.

Data

HIFLD substations and transmission with owners enriched by Barrio, ERCOT GIS generation queue, planned ERCOT and PUCT transmission projects, TNRIS StratMap parcels (Austin, Bee, Colorado, Jackson, Lavaca, Live Oak, Matagorda, San Patricio and Wharton counties today). Screening data: confirm capacity with the utility.