City of Concord, NC
Strengthening Concord’s Electric Grid
United Utility Services teams deliver a safer, more resilient transmission and distribution system for one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities.
As Concord, North Carolina, continues to experience significant residential and commercial growth, the city is making important investments to strengthen its electric infrastructure. One of those investments brought together United Utility Power Services and Williams Electric to upgrade approximately 1.5 miles of transmission and distribution lines – improving reliability for current customers while preparing the system for future demand.
Project at a Glance
- Customer: City of Concord, North Carolina
- Scope: Approximately 1.5 miles of transmission and distribution upgrades
- Key improvements: 19-pole transmission extension, steel transmission poles and distribution reconductoring
- Primary benefits: Greater system reliability, increased operational flexibility and faster service restoration
- United Utility Services team: United Utility Power Services, working in partnership with Williams Electric
Building Greater Reliability Into the System
The project included replacing existing wood transmission poles with steel structures ranging from 80 to 105 feet tall. Crews also upgraded and reconductored the distribution underbuild using 336 conductor to improve the system’s capacity and performance.
A major component of the project was the construction of a 19-pole transmission extension connecting two existing circuits. The city previously relied on two electric delivery points. By adding a third delivery point and tying the circuits together, the upgraded system now gives Concord greater flexibility to redirect power when needed.
During planned maintenance, severe weather or an unforeseen equipment failure, the city can isolate the affected portion of the system and use an alternate source to restore customers more quickly. This added switching capability helps reduce the potential duration and impact of outages while creating a more resilient electric grid.
Combining Complementary Strengths
The project’s success was driven by close collaboration between United Utility Power Services and Williams Electric. Williams Electric brought an established relationship with the City of Concord and extensive experience performing overhead and underground distribution work for the customer. United Utility Power Services contributed specialized transmission expertise.
By aligning these complementary capabilities, the two teams delivered a coordinated solution that addressed both the transmission and distribution sides of the project. The collaboration also helped provide the city with competitive pricing and an accelerated construction schedule.
Throughout the project, crews, construction managers, project managers and support teams maintained constant communication. They developed a clear plan, executed it safely and efficiently, and adjusted as field conditions required.
Preparing Concord for Continued Growth
Located just outside Charlotte, Concord is part of one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing regions. Continued residential and commercial development will place increasing demands on the city’s electric system. This project helps position Concord to meet those demands. The upgrades provide greater reliability and resilience for existing customers while establishing the infrastructure needed to support future growth. The work also demonstrates the value of United Utility Services’ turnkey approach. By bringing together specialized capabilities from across the organization and working closely with trusted partners, United Utility Services can address complex utility challenges with comprehensive, customer-focused solutions.
Most importantly, the project was completed through a shared commitment to United Utility Services’ core values: Safety, Quality, Integrity and Professionalism. From the field crews performing the work to the project, construction and finance teams supporting them, every contributor played an important role in delivering a successful outcome for the City of Concord.
Learn more about United Utility Power Services
Learn more about Williams Electric