Customer
AEP
Location
Southern Ohio
Highlights
-
Critical Error Prevented at the Source -
Improved Documentation Integrity & Team Coordination -
Now a Training Standard in AEP East
How Field Engineering Prevented a Major Setback in AEP’s Transmission Line Upgrade
The Challenge
During a transmission line upgrade project—converting a 3-pole structure to a monopole—incorrect electrical phasing was discovered at structure 1. If undetected, this misphasing would have carried through into active pulling operations, potentially leading to safety hazards, misalignment in system operation, and rework delays. The issue originated in the station's outdated documentation and could have gone unnoticed without field-level verification.
The Solution
Before contractors began pulling ropes, the engineer performed a field-based transmission phasing verification. On identifying the discrepancy at structure 1, they traced it back to incorrect station prints. The engineer corrected the phasing documentation at the station, informed both the supervising engineer and T-line engineer, and provided the updated information to the contractor ahead of work. This preemptive action ensured the entire project would proceed with correct alignment from source to field.
Key Benefits
- Error Containment at Source: Prevented systemic propagation of a critical design flaw from the station to field execution.
- Upstream and Downstream Alignment: Ensured that station prints and field installation matched, reducing risk of operational mismatch.
- Improved Documentation Integrity: Updated engineering records and prints to reflect accurate system configuration.
- Enhanced Contractor Readiness: Delivered corrected phasing data before work began, avoiding mid-operation disruptions.
The Results
- No downtime or safety incidents occurred during the transition to the monopole structure.
- Avoided costly rework by addressing phasing errors prior to conductor operations.
- Strengthened inter-team communication between field, engineering, and contractors.
- This case is now used within AEP East TCR as a training reference for field verification best practices in transmission projects.
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