July 21, 2020 - Sargent & Lundy partnered with EC Source, a Houston-based construction company, to form a joint venture named ECSL to perform engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects. In March, this team completed an upgrade of a 40.5-mile, 69-kV transmission line south of San Antonio, Texas. This work helped American Electric Power continue its reliable service to customers.

The 69-kV line stretches from Pleasanton to Three Rivers. ECSL replaced 70-year-old wooden constructions along this path with new steel monopole and H-frame structures. The project included several challenging elements that ECSL was well-equipped to handle. For example, custom structure designs were created for crossing under existing energized high-voltage transmission lines in the area. The line route included four crossings of Interstate 37, for which construction and traffic control were coordinated through the Texas Department of Transportation and local authorities. When the Electric Reliability Council of Texas shortened one of three planned outage windows, ECSL readily adapted. Despite obstacles, the project was delivered one week ahead of schedule and remained within budget. The team also took measures to assure a long-lasting product. ECSL designed and installed the line to support energization at 138 kV in the future if the client so desired.

This assignment was one of several that AEP has awarded to ECSL in Texas. It is a prime example of Sargent & Lundy’s commitment to client satisfaction. When portions of a project require knowledge or skills outside of the firm’s immediate scope, Sargent & Lundy facilitates partnerships to exceed client expectations.

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