AbstractThe experiment was designed to demonstrate the data transmission capabilities of a language‐oriented data system (GDL). In a realistic simulation, an unknown computer‐controlled substation was connected to a control centre. By inquiry to the substation, the control centre computer got informed on the stock of objects and the topological connections in this substation, then designed interactive diagrams for its switchyards. Finally, this substation was controlled as for switching and transformer tapping by an operator. The time required to couple the previously unknown substation to the control system amounted to 100 s.