GIS GROWS PRODUCTIVITY
THE CEO REPORT
As you can imagine, our ongoing exploration of alternative ownership models has prompted a lot of discussion around the topic of POWER’s culture.
It’s one of, if not THE, top concern of most team members. And it should be, I think. We all take pride in the amazing culture we have built over the last 48 years.
People clearly do not want to “lose our culture” in the event of a change of our ownership model. And like many of you, I too have been thinking about this idea of holding onto what is definitely special about POWER.
It’s actually prompted me to dig deep and really ask some foundational, chicken-and-egg-type questions. For example, are we the product of our culture, or is our culture a product of all of us?
ownership transition are drawn to us because of our culture—just like POWER was drawn to Blue Chip. This makes sense to me since we are all in the business of attracting and retaining top talent. Companies that succeed in creating a great culture, like POWER, can boast some of the best talent in the industry.
At POWER, we’ve listed and defined the kinds of behaviors that we believe are keys to our success. We call them our “Culture Codes” and we want our team members to learn them, practice them and align with them. But it’s our values that underpin all these great behaviors that truly endure.
What is it about POWER’s culture that can and should endure?
In this Surges CEO Report, I would like to spend some time considering a related question: What is it about POWER’s culture that can and should endure?
Values underpin culture
Recently, I have had the opportunity to tell you about my personal journey experiencing a change in ownership. Briefly, my consulting firm, Blue Chip Engineering, was merged with POWER back in 2003.
I was really worried that we would lose the amazing culture we had at Blue Chip. That it would disappear or dramatically change. Ultimately, I discovered that the culture at POWER was very similar, and in many ways, better than what we had at Blue Chip.
POWER’s culture is exceptional, and we can be proud of the culture we’ve built here. The companies we’re speaking with about an
R.E.D. and more
If we could identify these shared values, then we wouldn’t be defined only by our 12 Culture Codes. As you know, we also talk a lot about our three core values: Responsibility, Empathy and Determination, or R.E.D. for short. But we really have many, many more.
Let’s take our Culture Code “Work as a team” as an example. This practice is fundamental to everything we do at POWER. Most, if not all, of our work involves cross-functional teams to deliver the great results we, and our clients, expect. Our success depends on strong teamwork.
But if you dig deeper, you’ll find what we really value at POWER is the ability to work together. We value collaboration. That’s what really drives our “Work as a team” behavior. It also drives a whole lot more.
People who value collaboration are open to pooling their knowledge, experience, and skills, which improves our ability to solve problems and deliver solutions. They learn everyone’s
JUY 2024
VOLUME XXXIV, No. 4
Surges is a publication of POWER Engineers, Inc. All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the company.
THE CONTENT OF THIS INTRACOMPANY NEWSLETTER IS CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY.
Surges is not for distribution outside of POWER Engineers. If you would like to give a copy to someone outside of POWER Engineers, please contact the editor at surges@powereng.com.
Corporate Sponsor
Janet Metzger
Corporate Content Strategist
Mark Murdock
Editor
Sarah Morrell
Art Direction
Chris Settle
Surges Committee
Aleya Ericson
Celeste Miller
Clayton Gefre
Garrett Hopkins
Genny Ulmen
Haley Candelario
John van Vliet
Kason Bergman
Kate Wutz
Linda Nielsen
Melissa Grossi
Melissa Pichardo
Suzie Hartz
Valerie Martin
Wendy Gould
role on the team and how they interrelate. That makes them more well-rounded and quality-conscious. They make personal connections between team members and build trust. They’re the kind of person our PMs actively seek out for their teams.
Determination is what we bring to the toughest project challenges. To really listen to our clients and walk in their shoes, we must value empathy. To take true ownership of our work, we must be responsible for everything—even our mistakes. E xcellence is about being the best at whatever we choose to be, and integrity is about always taking the ethical high road. Finally, we are respectful of others, even those who do not share our beliefs.
Cultures change. Values endure. These are just some of the values that underpin our culture, and I am certain you can add to this list with some similar reflection. These are the parts of POWER’s culture that I believe can and should endure. What’s interesting is that I am hearing the same thing from other POWER team members.
Here is one example, from a note sent to me by one of our team members, that reinforces excellence, collaboration, empathy and respect:
“If we can preserve the desire to grow, build expertise, deliver quality work to our clients, solve hard problems with excellent solutions in a friendly, inclusive and casual environment where our people come first, I’d be good. And, if we can create even more opportunity for
growth and career paths, even better.”
Here’s another example, a testimony to responsibility, determination and excellence:
“At POWER, we make the most of the situations we are presented. We optimistically adapt to new challenges. If we want to work on the most challenging projects in the world, we need to continue to overcome monumental challenges to increase our capabilities.”
We have a strong reputation in our markets for having an exceptional culture, AND it’s our shared values that make it happen.
Our values define us. So, are we great because of POWER’s culture? Or is POWER great because of our values? For me, there is no debate—it’s both.
We have a strong reputation in our markets for having an exceptional culture, AND it’s our shared values that make it happen. Unless carefully managed, any culture will change. Some for the better, like my Blue Chip example. Others for the worse. If we want to keep and improve upon the best
parts of ours, we have to work at it both individually and collectively. We have to be committed to it.
Our future is what we make of it.
Keeping the best of POWER
As we are considering the next stage in the evolution of POWER Engineers, and in our careers working together, we’d do well to remember the strength we have in these shared values. They can and should endure. We can carry them into our next career or wherever we go in life. No one can take them away.
No one will want to, honestly. If we continue to do what we do best, then no new owner or investor will want to interfere. On the contrary, they are going to want to enable us in new ways with more capital, allow us to grow even more with great job and ownership opportunities, and achieve greater heights personally and professionally.
That’s how we hold onto what is special about POWER’s culture—by committing to it individually and collectively. By continuing to believe in the values that underpin it, by sharing them, reaffirming them, and passing them along to the next generation no matter what happens.
That is how we protect our future success. That is what can and should endure.
All the best,
A big thanks
The July issue of Surges comes to you from these contributors: Akiko Kanazawa, Aleya Ericson, Angela Thomas, Ariel Varland, Bill Corey, CeAnn Carpenter, Cindi Keegan, Clayton Gefre, Dawn Houlette, Garrett Hopkins, Gina Harris, Haley Candelario, Janel Long, Janet Metzger, Jim Haynes, John van Vliet, Juan Velasquez, Karen Truxal, Kason Bergman, Kate Wutz, Liz Cummings, Mark Murdock, Megan Mahowald, Melissa Pichardo, Mike Nisson, Sandra Wood, Sara Zenobian, Sumi Sankaran-Deal, Tanner Haynes, Tonya Goitiandia and Valerie Martin.
Exceptional fieldwork views. With POWER teams on site in the Pacific region, team members were afforded beautiful views as they supported the client’s efforts.
GIS GROWS PRODUCTIVITY
A One POWER team puts efficiency and innovation on the map
By CeAnn Carpenter and Bill Corey
Collectively, it’s safe to say that keeping the lights on and utilities in good working order is important to people—for many energy clients, it’s critical.
In the Pacific region, a confidential client is working to create a sustainable infrastructure for one of their locations in the event of an emergency requiring off-grid operation.
For POWER, this project marks a remarkable journey of technological integration, cross-divisional collaboration, and unforeseen productivity gains that are setting new benchmarks for future projects and significantly impacting the utility system landscape.
Utility System Assessment
Efficiency is often a major driver for utility system assessments, but rarely is it so vividly exemplified as it was with the work POWER performed for our client.
POWER worked as a subcontractor to an MEP engineering consulting firm, focusing specifically on surveying and assessing vulnerabilities in the Medium-Voltage electrical system and the
PHOTO: RYAN MCMURTREY
GIS model of the location’s infrastructure. The original assessment covered several areas at the location.
The client will use the resulting recommendations and reports of the effort as a basis for another project to complete an extended area of the location in the future.
The goal was singular: to fortify the location’s electrical grid against potential isolation from the larger grid’s native supply.
A synergy of divisions
It all began with three robust teams from three different divisions within POWER traveling to the site: Government Services (GVS), Power Delivery’s (PD) PTE and SAS groups, and the Integrations & Customizations (I&C) service area in the Advanced Utility Solutions (AUS) division. The goal was singular: to fortify the
APPROACH FOR SUCCESS
The project was planned in three parts:
1
An initial analysis of the MV system based on information provided by the client
2
A site visit to the location for a field survey
3
A study following the site visit to perform additional analysis and prepare a final report
PHOTO: RYAN MCMURTREY
Historic settings. On site teams had the privilege of visiting a National Peace Memorial.
location’s electrical grid against potential isolation from the larger grid’s native supply.
The GVS team orchestrated the complex effort. The experts from PD evaluated the location’s electrical equipment directly—working on the system assessment— while AUS refined the location GIS.
In tandem with the PD team’s system assessment, the GIS team collected geo-referenced asset information, adjusted and updated the existing GIS as needed, recorded asset and inspection attribution for the PD teams, and captured photos of facilities and equipment attached to the GIS features. Each unit played to its strengths while seamlessly supporting the others.
Silent game-changer
Perhaps most remarkable was how an initially unplanned-for benefit—increased productivity via GIS—became central to the strategy. An ordinary tool-turned-powerhouse platform transformed how the team effortlessly navigated logistics and analysis.
During the initial assessment of the client data, the AUS team realized that much of the information the PD engineers needed to do their planning was only available in the GIS. So, in a first for POWER, AUS published the GIS system data into an ‘Engineering Map,’ a web map with tools for the engineers to use for their analysis and planning. The engineers really liked the interface and working with the GIS. They took to the process naturally, querying facilities
Leveraging teams.
and exporting tables from the web map for their analysis and field survey planning. For AUS GIS Technical Lead Bill Corey, it was a eureka moment.
“Seeing the maps facilitate real-time decisions in the field—that’s when you know our work transcends mere data points.”
After returning home, the team was able to use the GIS to help produce reports, analyses, and documentation based on the data collected in the field and the assessment.
“Seeing the maps facilitate real-time decisions in the field—that’s when you know our work transcends mere data points.”
Overnight innovations
When the field engineers relayed suggestions for map behavior enhancements back home to AUS Consultant Andrew Mattie, the project team woke the following day to find updated features already loaded onto their devices. This not only impressed both GIS aficionados and newcomers but also underscored a powerful message—POWER’s commitment to agile innovation knows no time zone.
“This technology enables frictionless updates and allows for rapid iteration, enhancing efficiency in the data collection process as user feedback is seamlessly integrated,” explains AUS Consultant Andrew Mattie.
Numbers speak volumes
Comparing this undertaking with previous projects provides stark insight into its scale. Where once site visits capped at 30 substations were standard protocol, now we see figures quintupled thanks to technological leverage. The project field crew managed to inspect over 150 stations—underscoring not just growth but transformative evolution in fieldwork efficiency.
This effort represents over $1.5 million worth of work for POWER alone. But beyond monetary value lies cost-efficiency; coming in under budget is a result of meticulous planning and execution finesse—an achievement deserving more than just applause but emulation.
The ripple effect
While working on the project, I&C Service Area Lead and GIS Technical Lead Bill Corey was approached about another opportunity with POWER at a different location.
Based on the major productivity gains recognized in our project from using the GIS tools, the team members from GVS and PD felt like they could achieve a similar boost in pre-visit and on-site
Bill Corey from the AUS group and Tim McClanahan from the PTE group partner together to improve efficiency on site.
PHOTO: RYAN MCMURTREY
productivity if they had a similar GIS setup for their project engineering teams at the other project’s site.
Though GIS (and AUS) was not part of the original project plan for this other project, the project team felt that they could easily offset the cost of setting up a new GIS for the client’s team with the productivity gain they knew they would get while planning their daily work using an Esri Web Map and having the client GIS data on mobile devices running Esri’s Field Maps. The AUS I&C team set up an Engineering Map for the project planners to use and configure a new Mobile GIS in Field Maps for the onsite teams to use.
Within a week of the initial request, the project team installed Field Maps on their mobile devices. At the same time, the engineers from PD plugged away using their new Engineering Web Map to research and plan their work.
Good eats, great team. The project team enjoyed a team building event including all-you-caneat (and drink) dishes.
said they were very impressed with the MEP engineering consulting firm and POWER and would be happy to continue our relationship. In January 2024, we learned that the proposal was a win, and it resulted in another more than $1M contract for POWER. This wasn’t just another contract won; it was an affirmation that our client recognized something special.
“It wasn’t just about one project; it was about transforming how POWER approached problemsolving across the board,” says GVS Project Manager Ryan McMurtrey.
“It wasn’t just about one project; it was about transforming how POWER approached problem-solving across the board,” says GVS Project Manager Ryan McMurtrey.
Success for today and tomorrow
While still entrenched in assessments onsite in 2023, the POWER team submitted another proposal for a Phase 2 project for our initial client’s site: an Arc Flash study. Client resources we worked with
One POWER!
This project has been a great learning experience for AUS. It has enhanced the understanding of how to collaborate effectively with various divisions within POWER and provided AUS with an opportunity to showcase the significant impact of GIS in boosting project efficiency.
It has opened the door to engage with and potentially leverage the extensive amount of work that our other divisions are involved in.
CeAnn Carpenter is a Designer in the Substations group of Power Delivery, based in Hailey. This year, CeAnn has been working to prioritize her hobbies. Her goal for 2024 is to catch a fish every week. As of May 20 (Week 21), she is 17-4. Only 1 of the 4 missing weeks did the fish win.
Bill Corey is a Senior Consultant and Area Lead in the Advanced Utility Solutions division based in San Diego. When Bill is not working, there’s a good chance you’ll find him out on the golf course.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF RYAN MCMURTREY
THE DYNAMIC DIRECTIVE
POWER helps clients understand new technologies to address FERC Order No. 881
By Garrett Hopkins
Increasing capacity and reliability of the U.S. electrical grid has been a sustained undertaking by engineers and experts for generations.
Our grid of today looks very different from where it started, and the demand is even greater. The quality and abundance of infrastructure plays a massive role in our grid’s performance and effectiveness. In this context, it’s no surprise that improving or strengthening the grid has historically meant adding to it.
But in recent years, a movement to strengthen the grid in a new way has emerged: optimizing existing infrastructure through digital means. These digital upgrades are known as Grid Enhancing Technologies.
Line Ratings Role Call
Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) include digital control systems, advanced power storage methods, renewable energy integrations and more. While many of these technologies have been voluntarily adopted by utility companies, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has also started mandating the use of some of them. In late 2021, FERC announced one of the most significant such mandates, known as Order No. 881.
Since building new transmission lines is no easy undertaking, Order No. 881 targets existing transmission lines. The mandate focuses on a safety measure known as line rating, which determines how much energy a transmission line can transfer at once. Line ratings are based on the conductor and associated facility equipment, as well as ambient temperature of the air surrounding the line, and windspeed and weather conditions.
Currently, the utility industry uses a fairly conservative rating, known as Static Line Rating (SLR). SLRs are a fixed number based on “worst-case scenario” conditions, and the maximum amount of allowed electricity is held constant throughout time. Since these worst-case conditions rarely occur, the resulting ratings lead to transmission lines that are consistently underutilized.
Under Order No. 881, all FERC jurisdictional lines must begin using a rating reflective of the real-world conditions—Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR)—by July 2025. AARs account for ambient temperature on an hourly basis and take the day/night cycle into consideration to determine the maximum amount of allowed electricity accordingly.
Transitioning to AAR is seen as a method to immediately increase the capacity of the grid and a baby step towards someday adopting
the most efficient form of line rating, Dynamic Line Rating (DLR), which takes wind speed and specific line features into account.
The skills to help
While Order No. 881 allows transmission owners to safely get more from the grid – and save customers money in the process—the transition to AAR will be a complicated, time-consuming process. As the compliance deadline approaches, POWER’s transmission design and system studies experts have been repeatedly called into action.
“Key clients have reached out directly to ask for help,” says Power Delivery Senior Project Engineer Buck Fife. “Others have submitted RFPs, which we’ve been selected to support.”
“Key clients have reached out directly to ask for help. Others have submitted RFPs, which we’ve been selected to support.”
Ready to help
Through necessity, persistence and technological ingenuity, the grid continues to expand and grow stronger. FERC Order No. 881 is a recent example of this and surely not the last.
“Collectively, we know a lot of the pieces. Sometimes it’s our SCADA and Analytical Services group, our Advanced Utility Solutions division, or our transmission line folks. It’s a multidisciplinary challenge, and we have the right expertise in each of those disciplines to solve this for our clients,” says Fife.
As new GETs continue to be conceived and developed, POWER will be there to help plug them in.
Garrett Hopkins is a Marketing and Proposal Coordinator in the Power Delivery division, based in Milwaukee. He spends his free time watching movies with his wife, exploring nature with his dog and soaking up every second he gets to spend with his 3-year-old daughter and three-month-old son.
How much power.
Line Ratings determine how much power is allowed to be transmitted through a specific transmission line. There are three types of line ratings: Static Line Rating (SLR), Ambient Adjusted Rating (AAR), and Dynamic Line Rating (DLR). SLR is the most conservative and inefficient, and DLR is the most dynamic and efficient. (Courtesy of National Grid)
THE PURSUIT OF IMPROVEMENT
On September 4, 1882, the United States’ first commercial power plant began delivering electricity to 85 New York City customers. Pearl Street Station — a technological marvel at the time — produced enough energy to power 5,000 lamps. In the following 142 years, increasing the U.S. electrical grid’s capacity and reliability has been a constant pursuit, mostly by way of adding new infrastructure.
Today’s grid contains millions of miles of distribution lines, hundreds of thousands of miles of transmission lines, and thousands of substations, and power is delivered to hundreds of millions of people across all 50 states. Adding infrastructure is an effective method of improvement, but it’s a slow, expensive process.
POWER SERVICES FOR ORDER NO. 881
• TRANSMISSION DESIGN SUPPORT
» Educational Seminars
» Data Collection
» Risk Assessment
» Critical Span/Component Analysis
» Thermal Rating Methodology Assessment
» Thermal Rating Analysis
» DLR/AAR Implementation Support
» Uprating Analysis and Design
• TRANSMISSION SYSTEM STUDIES
» Line Loadability Constraints
» FAC-008 Methodology Documentation
» Substation Equipment Rating Analysis
» Path Rating Adjustments
POWER PROJECT IN 60 SECONDS SILVERHAWK TO GOLD STANDARD
By John van Vliet
PROJECT
NVE Silverhawk Generation Station Peaker
Detailed Design
SCHEDULE
Start: January 2023
Completed: July 2024
CLIENT
NV Energy
TOTAL PROJECT COST
$5,489,950
POWER’S ROLE
• Owner’s engineering
» Bid reviews
» Combustion turbine specifications
» Conceptual peaker plant and substation expansion design
» Permitting
» Cost estimating
• Detailed engineering design
IN LAYPERSON’S TERMS
Nevada Energy (NV Energy) wanted to add dispatchable resources (peakers) to its system in the form of natural gas-fired generating units at the Silverhawk Generating Station by the summer of 2024. The state’s historic reliance on the energy market to meet peak period demand was no longer viable and introduced a significant risk of energy shortfalls and associated rolling blackouts in recent years.
Due to a restrictive schedule, NV Energy immediately awarded POWER detailed engineering design services for the development of Silverhawk Generating Station, situated on 37 acres just 30 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada. POWER initially provided owner’s engineering services in support of the 2x0 simple cycle combustion turbine (GE 7FA.05) plant, a 400 MW addition and 500 kV substation expansion, including combustion turbine specification, bid reviews, conceptual “peaker” plant and substation expansion design, permitting process, cost estimating, and other engineering activities.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN THE SILVER STATE
POWER’ ability to prioritize client needs and be readily adaptable to changes in their work processes was crucial to the project’s success. The team adapted their typical work patterns to meet NV Energy’s urgent requirements, facilitating faster project execution without compromising quality.
The successful execution of this project underscores POWER’s commitment to client satisfaction. Egleston’s Generation team recently earned another OE assignment from NV Energy—this time at the Valmy power station, in the north part of the state—a credit to the team’s fantastic work on Silverhawk.
PHOTO: TALMAGE RICHARDSON
RENDERING: TALMAGE RICHARDSON
CHALLENGES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
COORDINATION AND TEAMWORK: The success of the project hinged on effective coordination among various teams. Generation Senior Project Manager Chuck Egleston emphasized the smooth collaboration between the Generation and Power Delivery divisions, particularly in managing the tight schedule. The project, which typically would span around 30 months, was fast-tracked for completion within 19 months, with an expected online date of July 1, 2024.
The project required extensive cross-divisional collaboration, integrating various engineering teams to ensure effective visualization for permitting and accurate site renderings through drone flyovers. Close cooperation with ARB, the project’s construction partner, and GE, the equipment supplier, was essential for timely material procurement and site preparation.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR CLEAN ENERGY ADAPTATION:
NV Energy envisions the potential for converting the newly established gas-fired units to operate on hydrogen in the future, although a specific timeline for this conversion has not been provided. During POWER’s initial discussions with GE, the team secured a commitment regarding the operational capacity of the turbine to utilize up to 30 percent hydrogen, as conveyed by NV Energy to the regulators. Additionally, POWER specified that the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system should be capable of accommodating a blend of 50 percent hydrogen, considering potential adjustments required for increased hydrogen usage.
ENGINEERING AND DESIGN CHALLENGES: The project was notable for its size and the engineering and logistical challenges that required solutions. The site’s layout and drainage studies were complicated by the presence of hot SCR units with large tempering air fans, necessitating a mirrored site design for space efficiency. POWER successfully integrated work across different divisions, including detailed design, switchyard engineering, and electrical testing.
PROJECT TEAM:
» Bill Louer – Project Sponsor, Oradell
» Chuck Egleston – Generation Project Manager, Boise
» Jamie Mimms – Project Staff Assistant, Boise
» Whitney Mereness – Project Accountant, Boise
» Gregg Harwood – Generation Project Engineer, Boise
» Joan Wiley – Lead Mechanical Engineer, Mt. Laurel
» PJ Karasek – Lead Structural Engineer, Overland Park
» Bill Romines – Lead Civil Engineer, Overland Park
» Genaro Pauta – Lead Electrical Engineer, Oradell
Two worlds.
An illustration of the fusion of history and the modern world in Japan. The Kintaikyo Bridge, originally constructed in 1673, is a short ride from the site where cutting-edge facilities, systems and operations ensure security and stability in the region.
» Robert Whipple – Electrical Engineer, Oradell
» Chris Dimaano – Lead I&C Engineer, Oradell
» Jeff Johnson – Power Delivery Project Manager, Portland
» Talmage Richardson – Field Support Engineer, Boise
» TJ Kretschmar – Vendor Submittal Admin, Boise
John van Vliet is a Marketing and Proposal Coordinator in the Generation division and is based in Twin Falls, Idaho. He studied journalism and played Division I football at Idaho State University.
Clear vision.
Rendering of the completed Silverhawk power plant against site footage via aerial drone.
POWER WITHOUT BORDERS
Two years later, EWB partnership going strong
By Kate Wutz
Two years ago, POWER announced its corporate partnership with Engineers Without Borders, an organization seeking to bring together engineering resources with underserved communities.
Now, POWER has deepened its partnership by completing its first corporate project—and getting more and more people excited about the opportunities.
“People want to be able to do something, to Do Good,” says Chief Digital Officer Nathan Bingham, POWER’s EWB champion. “To be able to facilitate that and fulfill that part of our purpose is helpful.”
CPRG for LCO
POWER finished its first project with Engineers Without Borders in April, volunteering to help the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Band of Lake Superior Chippewa apply for a climate pollution reduction grant, or CPRG, from the U.S. Department of Energy.
engineer with POWER’s Renewables group. “It really focuses on getting renewable systems to the entities that need it.”
“Grant-specific work is an important part of that equitable clean energy transition.”
“Grant-specific work is an important part of that equitable clean energy transition,” said Vanessa Van Scyoc Hernandez, an electrical
In this case, LCO needed site layouts, single-line diagrams and a budget estimate for a solar plus battery energy storage system for the Sevenwinds Lodge & Casino. U.S. tribal communities are often far away from essential services, which can result in unreliable power with frequent outages—and lost revenue, if they lose power to a vital part of their economy such as a casino.
While POWER has worked with tribal communities before, this was our first with Engineers Without Borders. Roughly 35 people responded to Bingham’s call for
Meeting with the CEO.
Ang and Daniel were able to meet Engineers Without Borders USA CEO Boris Martin and share a little about POWER.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANG-BACON REAP
Energy and economy.
The solar + BESS system would provide reliable power for a major part of the LOC economy—a casino and lodge, which generate revenue for the tribe.
volunteers, though the team ended up comprising about 10 key members, including Van Scyoc Hernandez.
“It wasn’t easy,” says Engineers Without Borders senior program coordinator Ellie Carley. “It was quick, and it was a big lift in a short amount of time.”
Challenging and rewarding
Bingham says the project was an interesting chance for the people on the team to learn a new aspect of engineering.
“We had people who were used to doing client work, which is much more detailed—a construction package, rather than something you’d put in a grant application,” he says. “It was fun to watch them figure it out.”
Power Delivery Project Manager
Welcome to Reno!
BIM Substations designer Ang Bacon-Reap (left) and Transmission Lines engineer Daniel Hartless get ready to represent POWER at the Engineers Without Borders annual conference in Reno, Nevada.
members, who can help with everything from engineering work to mentoring students in grant writing or even representing POWER at the EWB conference.
BIM Substations designer Ang Bacon-Reap and Transmission Lines engineer Daniel Hartless volunteered to attend the conference in 2023, meeting students and other volunteers and learning more about opportunities with Engineers Without Borders.
“As engineers, there’s only so much we can do as far as humanitarian work. What we can do is bring our expertise with designs that work for these communities.”
Matt Richards says the project was rewarding, even if it was a bit of a scramble to balance with his day job. The project kicked off in March, with deliverables due in mid-April—a very quick turnaround.
“Just like with every project, things seemed to hit all at the same time,” he says. “Keeping everyone on track and focused was a challenge.”
At the same time, Richards says working on this volunteer project was an incredible experience, and he hopes to remain involved.
“For me, it’s about trying to give back what I can, as corny as it sounds,” he says.
“As engineers, there’s only so much we can do as far as humanitarian work. What we can do is bring our expertise and come up with designs that work for these communities.”
What’s next?
The project for LCO is only the first of many, Bingham hopes. POWER currently has 46 active Engineers Without Borders
“I met some really cool people at the conference and still stay in touch with a few of them,” says Hartless. “Since volunteering within engineering is not something super common, it is nice to have friends who share my passion.”
POWER plans to sponsor the conference again in 2025 and continue our corporate partnership.
Want to get involved?
Not every volunteer opportunity is a POWER-specific project! EWB is looking for engineers, drafters and designers for projects, but also looking for people with grant-writing, communications or fundraising experience to help mentor student chapters.
For more information, please visit the Engineers Without Borders page on the POWER Portal or email Bingham at nathan.bingham@powereng.com.
Kate Wutz is the Corporate Communications Department Manager for the Marketing Business Unit. She’s recently developed a low-level addiction to fountain pens and will happily talk your ear off about her favorite inks.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANG-BACON REAP
PHOTO: COURTESY OF MATT RICHARDS
ELEVATING INTERNSHIPS
What’s new for POWER’s 2024 Internship Program experience
By Dawn Houlette
We’re thrilled to welcome 150 interns to the POWER team this summer. Each intern brings a unique set of experiences, talents, and aspirations, adding to our company culture.
As we embark on this journey together, we’re excited to create an environment where these individuals can thrive, learn, and grow. From the bustling halls of our office to the virtual corridors of online collaboration, we’re committed to providing an enriching experience that empowers interns to make a meaningful impact.
With the introduction of the LinkedIn Learning Path, alongside our returning professional development sessions and Lunch & Learn series, we’re laying the groundwork for a summer filled with growth, discovery, and endless possibilities. Together, we’ll do good, have fun, and build success—one intern at a time.
Introducing the LinkedIn Learning Path
One of the most exciting additions to the 2024 internship program is the introduction of the LinkedIn Learning Path.
One of the most exciting additions to the 2024 internship program is the introduction of the LinkedIn Learning Path. In today’s dynamic workforce, continuous learning is key to staying ahead, and we’re dedicated to providing our interns with the resources they need to thrive. The LinkedIn Learning Path is a curated collection of courses and resources designed to empower interns with essential skills and knowledge relevant to their roles and career aspirations.
From technical to interpersonal skills, interns will have access to a wide range of courses covering topics such as AutoCAD, Bluebeam, communication skills, and more. Whether they’re looking to enhance their coding abilities or sharpen their presentation skills, the LinkedIn Learning Path
Strong collaboration.
Overland Park interns Aiden Sears, Ayden Williams and Laith Banyalmarjeh problem solved on project challenges together during their internships.
Hands on.
Intern Emily Marino gets hands-on experience in field work during her internship. PHOTOS:
will serve as a valuable tool for interns to expand their horizons and unlock their full potential.
Our Lunch & Learn series will continue to feature esteemed leaders and executives, including CEO Jim Haynes… and other distinguished guests.
Returning Sessions: Professional Development and Lunch & Learns
In addition to the new LinkedIn Learning Path, we’re pleased to announce the return of our signature professional development sessions and Lunch & Learn series. These sessions have been instrumental in equipping interns with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the professional world, and we’re excited to build upon their success in the 2024 program.
Professional development sessions will cover a range of topics including business etiquette, resume writing, effective communication and more. Led by industry experts and seasoned professionals, these sessions provide interns with practical insights and actionable tips to enhance their professional skills and confidence.
Our Lunch & Learn series will continue to feature esteemed leaders and executives, including CEO Jim Haynes, CHRO Kayce McEwan, COO Holger Peller and other distinguished guests. Interns will have the unique opportunity to engage with these leaders, hear their personal career journeys, and gain valuable insights into industry trends and best practices. These sessions inspire interns and foster connections and networking that can open doors to future opportunities.
Do Good, Have Fun, Build Success
At the heart of our internship program is a commitment to making a positive impact, fostering a supportive and inclusive community,
and empowering interns to succeed. Whether it’s through meaningful projects, volunteer initiatives or social events, we strive to create an environment where interns can do good, have fun, and build success.
As we look ahead to the 2024 internship program, we’re excited to continue our journey of growth and discovery with a renewed focus on providing interns with the resources, experiences, and opportunities they need to thrive.
With the addition of the LinkedIn Learning Path and the continuation of our impactful professional development sessions and Lunch & Learn series, we’re confident that the 2024 internship program will be our best one yet. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey together, where possibilities are limitless, and success knows no bounds.
Dawn Houlette is the Early Talent Recruiter on the Talent Acquisition team for Human Resources, based in Pennsylvania. Her idea of a perfect vacation would be traveling with her family to a beautiful and relaxing destination where they could explore local culture, enjoy natural scenery and try delicious food.
Boise Substation interns worked on substation drawings side by side, learning from each other and POWER subject matter experts.
All the parts and pieces.
Intern Kaydence Drys works on a staking visit.
Prioritizing community experience.
Denver interns were treated to the local office parking lot cookout experience with fellow POWER employees during their internships.
Focus on details.
A GALLERY OF INCLUSION
Introducing POWER’s Employee Resource Groups
By Sarah Morrell
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging can mean different things to people.
At POWER, one of the ways we strive to incorporate all these crucial elements into our employee experience is through establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERG). These are intracompany, employee-led networks for like-minded or similarly identifying employees and those who ally with them. If you’ve been at POWER for a while, you’ve probably even heard about one—the POWER Women’s Network (PWN), our first and longest standing ERG.
ERGs are a great way for employees to meet new people and develop relationships outside of our own work teams. Often, they’ve shown to boost performance for employees by providing more focused opportunities for mentorship and career development.
As POWER continues to grow, so does our diversity of background and experiences, and so do our ERGs—so let’s meet them!
PODER: Power of Diversity Entails Respect Leadership
» Alex Shepard – Executive Sponsor
» Rafael Couret – Executive Sponsor
» Juan Velasquez – ERG Chair
» Melissa Pichardo – ERG Vice Co-Chair
» Manuel Montesinos – ERG Vice Co-Chair
Vision
To foster respect and awareness of the Latinx/Hispanic community and culture by contributing to POWER’s corporate success and the success of team members, clients and the communities in which we work.
Purpose
Develop a network within the POWER community to educate and promote the cultural diversity and professional developments of its members, thereby creating a supportive environment for the Latinx/Hispanic community and their contributions to the success of POWER’s mission.
PODER noun, Spanish. Power; authority; influence; capacity.
Example: “El rey tiene mucho poder.” Or “The king has a lot of power.”
» Bruce Truxal, Executive Sponsor
» Mike Nisson, ERG Chair
» Sara Zenobian, ERG Chair
» Rita Dooley, ERG Resources Coordinator
POWER of Veterans Leadership
Building community and having fun. Members of the PODER ERG in the Orlando office. Back row: Juan Velasquez, Rafael Couret, Manuel Montesinos. Front row: Stacy Lopez, Joeliz Mejia, Liz Martinez.
PHOTO: POWER ENGINEERS
Veterans in energy.
Veterans ERG leadership Bruce Truxal, Sara Zenobian, Rita Dooley and Mike Nisson recently attended the Veterans in Energy Conference to learn more about ways POWER can support and hire veterans.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF SARA ZENOBIAN
Vision
Enhance the professional and personal growth of veteran employees through mentoring, coaching, veteran advisement and recruitment, and providing role models as an avenue of support for veterans and families.
Purpose
Develop a network and supportive environment within the POWER community for our veteran and currently serving members of the Armed Forces employees through resource awareness and mentorship, including educating hiring managers and other POWER employees about important veteran matters (e.g., how to translate skill sets, military transitions, etc.).
POWER Women’s Network
Leadership
» Holger Peller, Executive Sponsor
» Randy Grass, Executive Sponsor
» Sumi Sankaran-Deal, ERG Chair
» Mary Watts, ERG Chair
Vision
Create a dialog and forum that cultivates awareness and open discussions among all POWER employees to provide a supportive environment for all our female employees.
Purpose
Foster a supportive environment and workforce for our female employees that provides career equality, professional development and mentoring opportunities for career advancement as they face every day work situations in a professional engineering and consulting environment. We also promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education among young people, and in particular young women.
Diverse learning opportunities.
Range
Leadership
» Nathan Bingham, Executive Sponsor
» Tanner Haynes, ERG Chair
» Liz Cummings, ERG Communications Director
» Asher Spencer, ERG Event Coordinator
Vision
A welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community where all employees of all walks of life have a voice to create a stronger POWER.
Purpose
Promote the awareness, inclusion, and equitable treatment of LGBTQIA+ employees through education and community building to employees, clients and community, as well as mitigate stereotypes and assumptions about gender, sex and romantic minorities (GSRM).
Wow! Tell me more!
Anyone at POWER can start an ERG. These communities are meant to be grass roots efforts started at the employee level.
If you have an idea for one, there are several resources available to support building it, and we encourage you to explore the ERGs on Portal and reach out to ERG leaders for inspiration too!
Our ERGs continue to grow and evolve thanks to the efforts of your fellow team members. We are actively working to hold space for the different backgrounds, strengths and insights that diversity brings to the One POWER Team.
Everyone has a place at POWER—what will yours be?
Sarah Morrell (she/her/hers) is a Corporate Communications Coordinator and Surges editor on the Corporate Communications team, based in Washington. Her latest summer hobby have been adding mini DIY projects to her home improvement list… it grows by the day.
The POWER Women’s Network recently put together a local self-defense course in Boise for members to participate in.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF ANGELA THOMAS
New Licenses, Milestones and Wins POWER Surges Milestones/May
and June 2024
MAY
Ben Guth 30 years
Aaron Ames 25 years
Shawn Collins 25 years
Wally Creviston 25 years
Robert Cieslewicz 20 years
Ryan Warner 20 years
Adam Jandreau 15 years
Tyler Kent 15 years
Wes Spencer 15 years
Tony Aubuchon 10 years
Michael Dice 10 years
Deanna Gallegos 10 years
Maria Morante 10 years
Margaret Neves 10 years
Cameron Peirce 10 years
Chris Pierce 10 years
Josh Reilly 10 years
Ray Riemann 10 years
Jonathan Rodgers 10 years
Dillon Thomas 10 years
AJ Wehr 10 years
Guy Archambeau 5 years
Thomas Cameron 5 years
Vic Cazares Puente 5 years
Phil Coomer 5 years
Braxton Cooper 5 years
Edwin Daggett 5 years
Si Dudley 5 years
Mark Fisher 5 years
Sam Gaines 5 years
Randy George 5 years
Alexis Glogiewicz 5 years
Matt Karaffa 5 years
Mandy Lewis 5 years
Garrett Littlejohn 5 years
Cassandra Olson 5 years
Trevin Rigel 5 years
Devin Robbins 5 years
Carlota Rodriguez 5 years
Tony Scotino 5 years
Kasey Smith 5 years
Philip Towles 5 years
Madison Wharton-Lake 5 years
JUNE
Mark Hunke 20 years
Anne Mousseau 15 years
Kevin Wortmann 15 years
Brooke Fowler 15 years
Afa Faraimo 15 years
Jason Pantoja 15 years
Randy Corbett 15 years
Matt Gossage 15 years
Joel Wallace 15 years
Anthony Gallo 10 years
Alexa Hiller 10 years
Brandon Burns 10 years
Ben Sitzman 10 years
Ben Smith 10 years
Tony Garey 10 years
Kyle Witherspoon 10 years
Nihar Patel 10 years
Dennis Robbins 10 years
Monique Chanthikul 10 years
Josh Edvalson 10 years
Alfonso Dominguez 10 years
Sandy Giordano 10 years
Michael Bryan 10 years
Kevin Cole 10 years
Gretchen Cividini 10 years
Bob Nilan 10 years
Christine Rowe 10 years
Andy Ratzkin 10 years
Dennis Chianese 10 years
Carolyn Meola 10 years
Kathy Ryker 10 years
Pat Serrette
Alice Nunez
Cheryl Grob
Cyndie Alpher
Hannah Carter
Linda Luccarelli
Amy Whitney
Anthony Colon
Asish Dhar
Chris Dimaano
Chris Lesniak
Cielo Grageda
THE BACK PAGE POWER News, Notes and Events
2
A special edition: it belongs in a museum! Take a walk through the POWER Museum
Do you have a relic that you can’t part with? A memory of POWER’s past or a notable project? It could have a new home in the POWER museum.
Located in the Hailey office, the museum boasts artifacts from across POWER’s divisions. The museum was founded by Power Delivery Regional Manager Buck Fife and Power Delivery Civil Engineer Kat Bridwell during a Hailey office cleanout.
“There were some things that didn’t feel right to get rid of and some of those things also had kind of more significance to them that we felt would be worth showcasing,” says Fife.
The museum is located right off the main entrance and is still accepting new donations for exhibits. Check out some of our favorite exhibits here!
1
Denver ski day
The Denver office hosted its annual ski day with over 35 attendees including employees and family members (including the four-legged variety). The group headed up to Arapahoe Basin (affectionately called “Abay”) in the Rocky Mountains. The base elevation is 10,800 feet, so Abay holds snow well into the warmer months—it actually got 10 inches of new snow on Mother’s Day! This was the second year hosting the ski day at Abay’s Beach—an infamous section of the parking lot that backs up to the lower mountain chairlifts and easy spot to kick back between runs.
