overhead distribution redesign

Customer

PEC

Location

Texas

Highlights

  • Overhead Distribution Redesigned to Follow Roadway Alignment
  • Improved Maintenance Access in Challenging Terrain
  • Project Delivered with Field Safety and Precision

Redesigning Overhead Distribution to Improve Access and Maintenance Efficiency 

The Challenge

The existing overhead distribution line presented long-term accessibility issues. The line crossed rugged hills and cliffs, making it extremely difficult for maintenance crews to safely access and service the infrastructure. Vegetation and irregular terrain further complicated reach and visibility. Without intervention, the current alignment risked higher maintenance costs, longer outage response times, and increased safety hazards. 

Root Cause Analysis 

  • Poor Accessibility: Original pole locations crossed elevated, uneven terrain. 
  • Field Hazards: Cliffs and dense vegetation increased difficulty and risk for crew navigation. 
  • Inefficient Routing: The legacy alignment did not follow established access paths, such as roadways. 

The Solution

Complete Line Redesign 

The staking technician collected the necessary data to execute a full redesign of the overhead distribution line, realigning and staking the route to parallel the existing roadway. This new alignment drastically improved accessibility, reduced vegetation interference, and supported quicker, safer maintenance responses. 

On-the-Ground Navigation 

Navigating the new route required careful coordination, as terrain and brush made reaching stake points physically challenging. Field navigation tools and safety practices were used to ensure accurate placement and protect the technician from environmental hazards. 

Experienced Field Oversight 

With years of hands-on distribution experience, the technician brought both equipment knowledge and site safety practices to the redesign. This field-based decision-making was critical to executing the re-route efficiently. 

Key Benefits

  • Enhanced Maintenance Access: Realignment along the roadway simplifies future line servicing. 
  • Improved Safety: Crews no longer need to traverse cliffs or thick vegetation to access pole locations. 
  • Time Efficiency: The redesign accelerates both routine maintenance and emergency response. 
  • Quality Delivery: All stake locations were accurately completed in complex terrain with minimal rework. 

The Results

The project was executed successfully, meeting all design and safety objectives. PEC now benefits from a modernized overhead distribution line with improved operational efficiency and long-term field maintainability. The work exemplifies how strategic design and experienced fieldwork can deliver sustainable results in even the most difficult landscapes.   

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