Background
A major Investor-Owned Utility (IOU) identified widespread distribution National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) clearance violations across its system, including high-risk locations such as agricultural areas with large grain bins and areas experiencing infrastructure growth and environmental changes. These conditions created increased public safety risk, regulatory exposure, and system reliability concerns, requiring a scalable program to assess and remediate violations efficiently.
Challenge
The program required rapid evaluation and correction of a large volume of geographically dispersed issues while maintaining strict quality, constructability, and compliance standards. Many locations involved site-specific constraints, customer coordination, and operational sensitivities such as seasonal agricultural activities. The IOU needed a partner capable of delivering high-volume production design without sacrificing accuracy, stakeholder communication, or schedule performance.
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Solution
EPE implemented a production-focused design approach leveraging ArcFM for GIS-based analysis and Maximo integration to align engineering outputs with asset management and construction workflows. The team deployed standardized design templates, automated QA/QC checks, and structured field coordination to maintain consistency at scale. Using GIS overlays and structure-level modeling, EPE developed site-specific remediation strategies including pole reframing, relocations, and targeted underground conversions, while coordinating closely with property owners and utility stakeholders to minimize operational impacts.
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Result
The program enabled the IOU to rapidly reduce high-risk clearance violations while improving system safety, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience. EPE delivered constructible, high-quality designs on schedule, supported efficient construction execution, and minimized customer disruption. The scalable delivery model positioned the IOU to address ongoing risk exposure and strengthen long-term distribution system reliability.