Transmission
Advanced transmission solutions from initial studies to energization
Our team provides comprehensive engineering solutions for both underground and overhead transmission projects. We effectively manage underground initiatives from initial studies and permitting through to detailed design and energization, utilizing advanced technologies for utility installation, relocation, and preservation.
For overhead transmission, our specialists have decades of experience in designing and developing lines ranging from 34.5 kilovolts (kV) to 500 kV. This includes more than 1,000 miles of new construction, as well as thousands of miles of rebuilds, rerates, and as-built modeling. Additionally, we excel in solar interconnects and collection systems by leveraging industry-leading software and contributing to the development of standards to ensure reliable and highquality power services.
Each engineer and designer undergoes extensive training in client standards, software, design principles, and safety protocols. Our staff is proficient in design software such as PLS-CADD, PLS-Pole, Sag10, Flash, and various foundation design applications. Moreover, our team has played a significant role in developing standards at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and has been involved in research at prominent organizations, including the Electric Power Research Institute, the National Electric Energy Testing, Research and Applications Center, and Kinetrics.
Services
- Project management - Conflict analysis
- Aerial to underground conversion design
- Street cut design
- Route staking
- Permitting procurement
- Greenfield transmission projects
- Route selection
- Solar interconnects and collection systems permitting
- Line rebuilds
- Line reratings
- Voltage upgrades
- As-built surveying and modeling interconnections
- Clearance checks
- Standards development
- Conductor selection studies
- Structure selection studies
- Electromagnetic field studies
Projects
138KV TRANSMISSION CIRCUIT ZENITH TO VILLAGE CREEK
CENTERPOINT ENERGY |HOUSTON, TEXAS
Zenith Substation to Village Creek 138-kV Transmission Line Improvements involved DCCM providing structural engineering services for CenterPoint Energy, including concrete pole design, lattice tower modifications, and drilled shaft foundation design along 3.7 miles of transmission line. The scope included SUE analysis, permit procurement, and preparation of a complete issued-for-construction package with structural and stringing charts.
DOWNTOWN UNDERGROUND TRANSMISSION DUCT BANK INSTALLATION
CENTERPOINT ENERGY | HOUSTON, TEXAS
Downtown Underground Transmission Duct Bank Installation called on DCCM to design over 12,600 linear feet of 138 kV underground transmission duct bank connecting three critical substations serving Downtown and Midtown Houston. The scope included topographic surveys, traffic control plans, utility coordination, and permitting with TxDOT, the City of Houston, and METRO, including two horizontal directional drillings in restrictive areas.
BNSF COUNTERPOISE
CENTERPOINT ENERGY | MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TEXAS
Transmission Counterpoise Along Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad tasked DCCM with designing and coordinating the installation of a counterpoise system to neutralize electromagnetic fields along 12 miles of paralleling BNSF tracks and a 345 kV transmission line. The scope included detailed construction drawings for horizontal directional drill, railroad plow, and open trench cable installation, along with permits secured from the County, TxDOT, USACE, and BNSF Railroad.