bnr-lower-rio-grand-valley
  1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Projects
  4. Powering Growth: Rio Grande Valley 345-kV Reconductor Project

Powering Growth: Rio Grande Valley 345-kV Reconductor Project

Transmission improvement project doubles capacity across 120 miles without disrupting service by using energized lines.

Location

  • Texas, USA

Project status

  • Complete

Award

  • Edison Electric Institute: Edison Award

American Electric Power (AEP) embarked on a mission to strengthen its transmission system and meet power demand in the rapidly expanding Rio Grande Valley.

 

Ensuring uninterrupted service

AEP wanted to upgrade two aging transmission lines without interrupting service to its customers. Our team helped execute this ambitious plan to replace conductors on these lines while they remained energized. We provided comprehensive overhead system designs for both existing and temporary structures, facilitating the replacement of energized conductors without any service disruptions. We collaborated with AEP’s contractor to design a temporary single-phase line that enabled uninterrupted replacement across 240 line-miles.

 

Enhancing capacity and efficiency

By integrating ACCC conductors into the project, we nearly doubled the line's capacity while minimizing sag and avoiding the need to replace existing structures. This approach resulted in substantial time savings and cost efficiency, completing the project eight months ahead of schedule and millions of dollars under budget.

 

Comprehensive system overhaul

In addition to conductor replacement, we provided substation design services for a complete overhaul of Corpus Christi's Lon Hill substation — where both 345-kV lines originate — along with four other substations south of the city. The design ensured resilience against hurricane winds and corrosive salt spray from the Gulf of Mexico.

345-kV substations
5
345-kV transmission lines
2
Miles of transmission lines
120

Other challenges that we have overcome