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Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution
2

Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

(OP)
I am seeking cost estimating data with regard to the construction of electrical transmission / distribution systems.  Some examples as follows:

http://www.klondykeinc.com/field_services.html#electricaltran

I've tried to contact contractors, but they are understandably hesitant to share confidential information.  Does anyone have any suggestions with regard to a source(s) for such cost estimating information?

thank you.

John

RE: Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

Means Electrical Cost Data has sections on transmission and distribution.  Means is more oriented towards industrial systems, so the T&D sections are not real comprehensive.

RE: Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

(OP)
thank you for your comments.

John

RE: Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

Dear John

I believe that the reason why fellow contractors haven't given you info is because of the nature of the works associated, it is very hard to estimate unit prices for an Overhead or underground Power Line.
•    Prior to the beginning of the works, there is a lot of paper work to be done to get the right of way and permission for the access roads, a lot of fees and indemnity fees to land owner that have to be negotiated.
•    The cost of an access road and the clearing of the right of way will depend on the location of the line and the environmental issues (this will vary a lot between different lines)
•    The civil work (mainly foundation) will depend on the type of soil (I did a double circuit 138kV bundle conductor with an average of 120m3 of concrete per tower foundation and I am currently building a 500kV, simple circuit, 4 cond. X phase with an average of 13 m3 of concrete per tower)
•    The Tower erection will depend on the average weight of a tower, the distance between towers and the access roads, if you have a line with an average of 5 ton x tower and another one with an average of 6 ton x tower, you may probably get the same number of tower done by day (independent on the weight), mainly because there is a lot of mobilization and demobilization. Other issue is that many times you are force to do the erection manually and other times you may be able to use a crane (the price varies significantly).
•    The stringing will depend mainly on the topography of the line (the stringing of the pilot wire)  and the conditions of the access roads (the transportation of the stringing equipment and the conductor reels)
•    On underground lines, the type of soil is crucial, mainly because the price of the  directional drill is extremely high and as most equipment is normally rented by hrs and not by tasks completed

Regards,
YJO
 

RE: Cost Estimation - Elec. Transmission & Distribution

(OP)
Thank you for the info., YJO.  I appreciate it.  I will start work at a major utility in the next week or so, and I will contact some project management firms that are currently overseeing large transmission projects for this utility.  Obviously, I will speak with other managers at the utility, but the company is very large and getting reliable information can be problematic.  I know.  Many years ago I worked there as a consultant.  That's why contacting the PM may be a better road to gather project cost and schedule information.       

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