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INSTRUCTORS:
Curtis Symank, P.E., M.ASCE
Greg C. Parent, P.E., M.ASCE
Evan Bond, P.E., M.ASCE
Josh Peterson, PE
Parker Wrozek, PE
Patrick Harkin, PE, SE
Daniel Gray, PE
Kyle Whisner P.E.
Andrew Erickson P.E.
Purpose and Background
These presentations were recorded at the Electrical Transmission & Substation Structures Conference 2025.
AC/DC – The SunZia Overhead Power Line Designs (22 minutes)
This presentation explores the complex design and engineering considerations of the SunZia Transmission Project, a 550-mile system designed to deliver renewable energy from New Mexico to the western grid. Attendees will learn how engineers integrated both AC and DC systems within the same corridor while maintaining environmental and operational efficiency. The discussion covers key design features, structure configurations, and coordination between multiple stakeholders across diverse terrain. Presenters highlight innovative tower design techniques, permitting challenges, and advanced modeling used to ensure reliability and constructability. This presentation offers a unique perspective on how high-voltage projects support large-scale renewable integration and grid resilience across the Southwest.
Colorado Power Pathway – 0 to 600 Miles in 7 Years Flat (23 minutes)
This session details the ambitious Colorado Power Pathway project, a 600-mile transmission expansion designed to enhance grid capacity and renewable energy access across the state. Presenters share how effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and engineering innovation allowed the project to advance from concept to construction within seven years. The presentation outlines strategies for permitting, routing, and managing large-scale logistics across multiple counties and jurisdictions. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming environmental, technical, and regulatory challenges through collaboration and project management excellence. This case study demonstrates how engineering leadership and proactive planning can accelerate delivery of critical energy infrastructure.
Strategies for Structural Design of Sunflower Transmission Structures (23 minutes)
This presentation focuses on modern design strategies for Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s transmission structures, emphasizing safety, reliability, and adaptability in Midwestern environments. The discussion highlights innovative approaches to optimizing structural geometry, foundation design, and material selection for performance under varying load and soil conditions. Presenters explain how design teams addressed challenges unique to regional weather patterns and line configurations. By leveraging advanced analysis tools and refined design methodologies, the project improved constructability and reduced lifecycle costs. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on how thoughtful structural design supports sustainable transmission infrastructure in rural areas.
ITC Derecho 2020 Storm Response and Restoration (21 minutes)
This presentation provides an in-depth look at ITC’s rapid response and restoration efforts following the 2020 Midwest Derecho, one of the most damaging wind events in U.S. history. Presenters share firsthand accounts of how emergency engineering, logistics coordination, and field innovation restored hundreds of miles of damaged transmission lines. The session covers structural assessment techniques, material sourcing under crisis conditions, and collaboration with contractors and utilities to re-energize the grid quickly. Attendees will learn how lessons from this event have shaped ITC’s future storm response planning and infrastructure hardening initiatives. The presentation emphasizes resilience, preparedness, and the role of engineers in post-disaster recovery.
Benefits and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the engineering and design strategies used to integrate AC and DC overhead transmission lines in the SunZia Project.
- Explain how the Colorado Power Pathway project achieved rapid transmission development through coordinated engineering and project management.
- Identify key structural design strategies used to improve performance, safety, and constructability in transmission structures.
- Discuss the engineering and logistical strategies ITC used to restore transmission systems following the 2020 Derecho storm.
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-test assessment (true-false, multiple choice, and/or fill in the blank questions).
Who Should Attend?
- Utility Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Consulting Engineers
- Contractors
- Suppliers & Manufacturers
- Researchers & Educators
How to Earn Your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion
To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.
How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?
1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]