PROJECT

Hamilton Substation

We are providing engineer-procure-construct (EPC) services for a new 69-kV ring bus/12-kV bus distribution substation. This new substation will provide reliability amid business and population growth in Lakeland.

The project is divided into several scope packages — substation, civil, structural, electrical, and protection and control — and includes permitting, procurement and construction services. A new power transformer was purchased by the city, and we are providing high-side, low-side breakers and switches; prefabricated control housing; all structural steel; and cables, connectors and other electrical components.

Client

City of Lakeland and Lakeland Electric

Location

Lakeland, Florida

Services

Electrical Transmission & Distribution

Electrical Distribution

Substations

Construction

Industry

Power

Potential encroachment issue mitigation. In the initial permitting package, the civil/site engineer hired by client representatives did not account for a new turning lane on the expanded main road. Our design team identified this issue early in design and determined that a new sewer and water connection would be located too close to the road. To resolve this issue, we suggested to jack-and-bore a longer and deeper pipe to avoid any potential conflicts.

Anticipated safety issue. During constructability reviews, our team noticed that the dry pond between the energizing equipment would potentially lead to a safety issue during required maintenance procedures. We suggested placement of a nonconductive fence between the pond and equipment to avoid potential electrocution danger.

Budgetary goals. We are working via an open book contract, which allows us to share all itemized pricing with the client. Through consistent transparency and communication, our integrated team works together to maintain the overall budget. Furthermore, we addressed Lakeland’s emergent need of expending funds within the fiscal year by accelerating the construction schedule through coordinating with the subcontractor, amending several design packages and adjusting the procurement schedule. We were able to mobilize two months earlier than originally scheduled.

City representatives and Lakeland Electric work closely with our team by providing comprehensive design reviews based on the 30% Issued-for-Approval design packages and the Issued-for-Construction package. With this level of client involvement, design decisions are immediately made, which allows the project to run seamlessly.

Scheduling. Complex projects often have issues materialize at various times. One issue became an opportunity to redesign the substation. In early 2023, the residential land adjacent to the site was sold for development of a distribution center. This allowed the substation to be rotated 180 degrees from the original design, providing a more ideal layout for accessibility and reliability. During the 60% design review, our team successfully gained approvals through the city’s permitting process to accommodate the new layout with no interruption to the schedule.

The original schedule reflected an eight-month project duration. When the bidding process was extended, the delivery time for long-lead items would be extended as well. We suggested that the project use the client’s existing stock to stay on schedule, replacing the stock as new equipment and components arrived. Our design team adjusted to support the client’s inventory to address this supply chain issue.

Immediate and continuous quality control and assurance. Our quality process started upon award, addressing potential and unforeseen issues. We applied our six-step quality control and assurance process through every stage of the project, communicating both weekly and spontaneously with client representatives on schedule and unforeseen issues. Getting ahead of the schedule not only meant better organization but minimized delays and maintained the budget.

Subcontractor engagement. We worked with general contractor Elite of Ocala, Florida, a company we have worked with on previous transmission and distribution design-build projects. Elite and its affiliates provide civil, foundation, steel and electrical work during the construction phase. Our collaborative team maintains schedule and address issues that arise.

We also hold close relationships with manufacturers. For example, our design required placement of a 25-foot-long galvanized steel beam to support bus components and overall structure. During required material inspection procedures, our team noticed damage to the beam and immediately contacted the manufacturer for repair. With a long-standing vendor relationship, the manufacturing representative suggested replacing the beam with a new one, which supported the project schedule.