Transmission Program Schedule Governance Transforms Capital Delivery – CenterPoint Case Study

Customer

CenterPoint Energy

Location

Texas

Project Value

$1B

Highlights

  • Integrated Governance Model Aligned Complex Workstreams
  • Risk-Based Rebaselining Delivered Flexibility Without Chaos
  • Real-Time Visibility Elevated Decision-Making and Accountability

Establishing Schedule Governance Across a $1B Transmission Program

The Challenge

CenterPoint Energy initiated a multi-year capital program to modernize its transmission system, interconnect merchant plants, and integrate fiber across critical corridors. The scope spanned a diverse set of projects—long-form CCNs, eCCNs, internal substation work, and relay/fiber upgrades—each with its own set of risks, crews, and regional constraints. Without a centralized execution model, CNP faced:
  • Inconsistent scheduling methodologies across workstreams
  • Limited visibility into float erosion and outage dependencies
  • Poor alignment between procurement, field readiness, and construction phasing
  • Exposure to timeline compression from supply chain volatility and adverse weather
What was needed was more than just a schedule—it was a governance structure that aligned contractors, internal teams, and regulatory constraints around a unified source of truth.

The Solution

Think Power Solutions deployed a program-level scheduling framework built in Primavera P6, supported by deep field awareness and cross-functional alignment. This framework served as a single, integrated view of scope, sequence, and accountability across CNP’s transmission portfolio. Key elements of the solution included:
  • Master Integrated Schedule: Captured all transmission sub-projects, critical path logic, and resource interlocks
  • Workstream Coordination: Sequenced construction activities with procurement lead times, outage windows, and crew availability
  • Earned Value & Look-Ahead Reporting: Enabled project managers to isolate slip trends early and assess resource burn against plan
  • Executive Dashboards: Delivered real-time schedule health views across all CCN and substation packages
  • Risk-Based Rebaselining: Allowed adaptation to external shocks without compromising program controls

Key Benefits

  • Schedule Integrity at Scale: Primavera P6 became a program governance tool—not just a scheduling system—enabling precise alignment across functional silos
  • Minimized Resequencing & Rework: Reduced cost of timeline drift by aligning material readiness, outage availability, and labor in advance
  • Decision-Grade Visibility: Executive teams gained real-time confidence in progress, risk exposure, and crew efficiency
  • Improved Field Safety & Efficiency: Better sequencing led to fewer site conflicts and more predictable outage planning
  • Repeatable Model: The structure now serves as a blueprint for future capital transmission programs at CNP

The Results

  • Program is on track and operating within baseline cost and schedule tolerances
  • Fewer delays tied to procurement and outage misalignment
  • Higher contractor accountability through unified progress tracking
  • Recognized internally as a model for schedule governance in complex, multi-entity capital delivery

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