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Line Design

Whether a single or multiple project, Power System Engineering (PSE) provides underground and overhead distribution design of primary and secondary systems, field engineering for feeder rebuilds, and maintenance and voltage conversions. PSE has a 30 year history of preparing line design and field engineering for electric utilities that contract for construction. We also provide underground network and URD design services for network duct projects and feeder design up to 25 kV and transmission systems from 69 kV to 138 kV. These projects typically include the following tasks:
  • Preparation of budgetary cost estimates
  • Construction assembly drawing preparation
  • Construction specifications
  • Right-of-Way identification and procurement
  • Field design and staking
  • Construction contract preparation using internally developed software
  • Contract bidding and construction period services
  • Construction inspection
  • Contract management
  • Contract closeout
Some of the projects recently completed by PSE include:
  • 4kV to 12.5 kV distribution conversion in Michigan and Illinois.
  • 12.5 kV long span (1,000’) line rebuild in Wisconsin.
  • 12.5 kV overhead line rebuilds for highway relocation.
  • 12.5 kV overhead and underground line rebuilds in Iowa and Illinois.
  • 12.5 to 24.9 kV overhead line rebuild and conversion in Wisconsin and Minnesota.
  • 12.5 kV and 24.9 k underground system construction in Wisconsin.
  • 12.5 kV automated switch additions in Illinois, New York, and New Mexico.
  • 13.2 kV line rebuilds in New York State.
  • 34.5 kV overhead distribution line rebuild in New York State.
  • 34.5/69 kV overhead line rebuild in the Catskill mountains in New York.
  • 69 kV transmission line design in western Minnesota.
  • 69 kV transmission line addition in Michigan.
  • 138 kV transmission line in Michigan.

Preparation of Budgetary Cost Estimates

The initial stage of any construction project involves gathering data to determine the extent of the additions required for your electrical system to meet the future needs of the customer. PSE can work with you to ensure that the proposed construction projects fit into your budget by assisting you in preparing a Distribution System Study to determine the needs of your customers in future years and ultimately with the implementation of the recommendations in the system study.

Construction Assembly Drawing Preparation

PSE personnel can work with you to determine the requirements for your distribution and transmission line projects and the structure assemblies required to complete the projects. We will review your standard structure drawings and determine what additional assemblies will be required to complete the project. PSE has an extensive library of assembly drawings in RUS, municipal, and investor owned utility formats and has the capability of converting these drawings to a format compatible with your existing system. Our staff of experienced drafters is well versed in AutoCAD, CableCAD, and Microstation drafting systems.

Construction Specifications

The best designed line project is only as good as the construction specifications issued for construction of the project. PSE engineers, designers and drafters are well versed in the preparation of concise and accurate construction drawings and specifications to insure that your overhead and underground line construction projects are completed on time, on budget, and to your exact specifications.

Our team of professionals has over 100 years of combined experience in successfully producing all types of distribution and transmission construction specifications for various sizes and types of utilities nationwide; PSE has the experience and is ready to help.

Right-of-Way Identification and Procurement

In every major overhead or underground line construction project one of the most critical aspects of the entire project is procuring Right of Way (R/W) for construction of the facilities. With the rapid growth of population in the urban areas, obtaining permission to occupy land for the purpose of constructing utility facilities is becoming more difficult and requires the expertise of personnel familiar with dealing with the property owners to obtain permission to occupy their land. PSE staff can work with you and your staff to insure that you have the required personnel and expertise to complete the R/W procurement for your project.

Field Design and Staking

A critical phase of every construction project is the field design and staking of the overhead and underground facilities. PSE Line Design personnel have extensive design and staking experience obtained through many years of training and actual hands on field experience. PSE utilizes several state of the art computer programs in the process of designing overhead line facilities including PLS-CADD, PLS-Pole, Alcoa Sag10, and several programs developed in house utilizing Microsoft Access and Excel. Some of the items that are included in the field design and staking are the following:
  • Field survey and inventory of the entire project.
  • Field stake lines using Total Station survey equipment.
  • Conductor sag and tension tables.
  • Wood and steel pole ground line bending moment calculations.
  • Guy and anchor calculations.
  • Ground clearance evaluation.
  • Galloping conductor analysis.
  • Plan and profile drawings.
  • Joint use and foreign attachments load analysis.
  • NESC, local and state electric code compliance and Rural Utilities Services (RUS) requirements.

Preparation of Easements, Permits, and Licenses

In conjunction with the line design and Right of Way (R/W) procurement, PSE can also assist you in obtaining any permits and easements required for construction of the final project. PSE personnel have worked extensively with State and local agencies to obtain the necessary permit and licenses required during design and construction of overhead and underground projects. We can work in conjunction with your R/W Department or function as a separate entity to complete the acquisition of the required easements and permits. PSE has the trained personnel on staff to complete the R/W acquisition for all your overhead and underground distribution and transmission line projects.

Construction Contract Preparation

PSE has developed in house software that produces structure assembly totals and a complete material list ready for ordering and construction. PSE personnel are very well versed in preparation of the RUS 830 and 790 contracts and all associated RUS forms required to complete your distribution and transmission line projects. PSE has also developed complete municipal contracts for both labor and material and labor only projects. PSE personnel will work closely with your staff to ensure that a complete and comprehensive contract is prepared for your project.

Contract Bidding and Construction Period Services

PSE will work closely with you and your staff in all phases of the contract bidding and construction process including the following:
  • Pre-bid meetings with potential bidders.
  • Assist at the bid opening.
  • Bid evaluation.
  • Recommendation of award for the contract.
  • Attend and supervise pre-construction meeting with Contractor.
  • Answer Contractor questions during the construction period and be available for periodic site visits.
  • Final inspection for RUS Form 219 approvals.
  • Contract closeout.
  • Complete contract management.
PSE will work closely with your personnel and the construction contractor for the project to ensure that the final product is completed on time, on budget and in accordance with your specifications.

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2000 Engel Street • Madison, WI 53713 • 608.222.8400Madison, WI • Minneapolis, MN • Columbus, OH • Indianapolis, IN