Engineering Services
Gridco offers a variety of engineering services including but not limited to equipment evaluation, equipment approval, technical specification development and construction/design standards development
Major Equipment Tendering and Selection
Description
Major equipment such as Transformers, Conductors and Loadbreak Switches are highly critical to the performance of the distribution system from a safety, reliability and finacial standpoints. Although there are industry standards available in the market to guide utilities with equipment selection, they do not always align with operational and system requirements.
Range of services
- Develop detailed equipment technical specifications customized to the operational and strategic needs of the client
- Develop all associated tender documents
- Work with the client to execute and manage the tender
- Perform detailed evaluation criteria for the equipment selection process
- Support with change management requirements such as training needs, modification of impacted standards and processes, and maintenance requirements
Construction Standards, Design Practices and Procedures
Description
Construction standards are essential for building structurally and electrically safe and reliable distribution systems. Construction standards ensure smooth and effective interaction between various systems and equipment, which drastically impact SAIFI and SAIDI metrics.
Range of services
- Develop construction standards for overhead and underground systems and equipment
- Experience with various underground systems including secondary network
- Apply industry best practices to ensure that all installations are optimized in terms of safety, reliability and added value
- Develop standardized equipment applications and design practices
- Develop installation and operational procedures for all distribution equipment
Equipment Maintenance
Description
Equipment routine maintenance is imperative for maintaining the reliability of the system and ensuring the assets will properly operate throughout the intended and expected life cycle. Accurate life cycle prediction allows the client to plan their equipment replacement at the most optimized time period.
Range of services
- Develop detailed routine maintenance plans for all distribution equipment
- Develop regulatory applications to obtain required funding
- Develop maintenance checklists for contractors
- Support development of Asset Condition Assessment (ACA)
Training
Description
Training users on the use of new equipment and design philosophies can significantly contribute to increased productivity, safety and reliability. We are highly experienced with the development and implementation of training material for field and design staff. We offer a variety of courses including:
Range of services
- Pole Loading Analysis
- Electrical Theory
- Cable Pulling Strategy
- Cable Testing
- Ontario Regulation 22/04
- Construction Verification Program
- Customized training modules and courses on electrical equipment
ESA Audit Compliance
Description
All electrical utilities in Ontario are subjected to an annual Electrical Safety Authority audit to determine level of compliancy to Ontario Regulation 22/04
Range of services
- Work with the client to identify gaps and develop a strategic roadmap that can be executed to ensure full compliancy to Ontario Regulation 22/04
- Work with manufacturers and suppliers to obtain all applicable equipment documentation
- Review all equipment test reports and shop drawings to ensure compliancy to applicable requirements and standards
Distribution System Plan
Description
The Ontario Energy Board requires local hydro distributors to submit a Distribution System Plan (DSP) as part of rate filing application. Gridco is experienced at development of DSP that align with Chapter 5 - Consolidated Distribution System Plan
Range of services
- Complete a detailed review of existing distribution system including but not limited to existing and planned replacement programs, system strengths and weaknesses, maintenance programs, equipment age distribution, previous filings and asset management plans, and any opportunities for improvement.
- Review and finalize budgets during forecast period
- Understand financial performance during historical period, and provide in-depth variance analysis
- In-depth review of reliability and safety performance, and implementing programs to close any gaps
- Develop material project sheets