transmission lines in front of mountain

Pioneer Management Consulting

Bolstering Colorado's Grid: Pioneer's Role in Major Transmission Expansion

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Our Story

When a major utility in the US Southwest region embarked on a major transmission infrastructure expansion in 2021, they called on Pioneer to provide critical expertise in risk management and program controls for this monumental $2 billion effort slated for completion by 2030. Involving over 500 miles of new high-voltage transmission lines across the region, the ongoing project aims to strengthen grid reliability and enable additional renewable energy integration over the next few years.

The Challenge

With rising renewable energy targets and the transition toward a cleaner, more modern grid, the southwestern region faced capacity constraints that necessitated substantial transmission upgrades. The scale of the required infrastructure expansion presented challenges in risk management and program governance.

Our Approach

To establish foundations for success, Pioneer provided:

  • Risk Management Framework and Playbook
  • Contract Administration Advisory
  • Governance Model and Operating Procedures

Exceptional Results

Through early engagement in planning, we enabled:

  • Portfolio-wide risk management and tracking
  • $300M risk contingency fund implementation
  • Clear program governance and controls

Pioneer Insights

  • Proactive risk planning is essential for large capital programs
  • Effective contract administration mitigates risk on one of the highest impact areas on a capital project
  • Clear governance and controls enable better program coordination

Fast Facts

  • Over 500 miles of new 345kV transmission lines
  • Over $2 billion total budget
  • Project completion by 2030
  • Bolster grid capacity across Colorado and the US Southwest

Let's Partner To Meet Your Critical Infrastructure Goals!

With over 15 years managing $6B in utility infrastructure programs and proven results delivering PMO, project management, and controls for the nation’s largest electric initiatives, our Energy and Infrastructure team has the cross-functional expertise to guide your most critical capital projects.