Abstract: A method of controlling assets connected to an electricity distribution grid is disclosed. For each of a plurality of assets to be configured, a trained neural network model is provided, which takes an asset configuration as input, the asset configuration specifying a response of the asset to variations in one or more operating conditions detected at the asset, and outputs one or more performance indicators relating to the operation of the asset when operated using the asset configuration. The outputs of the neural network models are provided as inputs to an optimization function. A search process optimizes the optimization function by varying asset configurations for the assets. The final asset configurations are then used to control the assets to provide a coordinated demand response service.