Power Transmission and Distribution

Headed by Alan Miner, PE in our Fayetteville, Ark. office, Garver's Energy Services Group has acquired special software and completed training to design transmission lines, substations and medium-voltage distribution systems. Garver recognizes that there is a need to replace and upgrade power transmission lines and substations with new facilities to take advantage of modern designs and smart technology.

"The existing electrical infrastructure is becoming inadequate and is aging, which is why we're moving into these design services for electric utilities," said Miner. "And as new energy resources come online—such as wind and solar farms and gas-fired generators—they'll require new transmission lines to move the power from these sites to population centers."

In support of this venture, Garver recently began design on a 4.5-mile 69kV transmission line for Siloam Springs, Ark. The new line adds electrical capacity for a projected 20-year city growth. The line runs 3 miles east to the site of a proposed substation and then turns south 1.5 miles to tie into an existing transmission line, thus completing a 69kV loop around the city. Garver expects to finish design by September with construction shortly following. In addition, Garver has an opportunity to design a new 24MVA substation for this client, along the route of the new transmission line.