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Electric power transmission development and security remain central to policies relating to energy transition, market access for clean energy development, and grid reliability and resilience.

Transmission owners, operators, and developers are shifting and reprioritizing in a dynamic environment. Few industries have witnessed such flux. Our power transmission consultants make it a priority to understand and learn about our clients’ needs and priorities, adapt our services, and transfer learning and develop capabilities throughout SWCA. We have earned a reputation as a reliable and responsive team member who will provide quality work, and be able to scale to virtually any size transmission project or program. We support our clients through each phase of project development, from the preliminary environmental analysis to long-term monitoring after project completion.

Power transmission projects are a primary practice area, and SWCA supports many of the largest regulated electric utilities, transmission developers, and operators in the U.S. We have been key contributors to the development of many of the largest multistate power transmission lines in the country, while also completing smaller projects under on-call contracts. In addition, we have supported and managed complex and large-scale programs, often as owner’s representative. We are experienced with projects at all levels of power transmission and distribution voltage, in almost every physiographic setting. Our project managers are proven and recognized for their strategic thinking and proactive approach.

Relevant Services

Project Types We Support

  • Capacity
  • Safety and Reliability
  • Design Compliance
  • Emergency Response
  • Interconnections and Tie-lines
  • New Construction: Green Field, Re-build, Upgrade

Programs We Help Implement and Manage

  • NERC and Other Grid Compliance
  • Pole Replacement
  • Vegetation Management
  • On-Call Services, including Rapid Response and Emergency Services
  • Owner’s Environmental Representative for Large-Scale Programs and Projects

Licensing, Permitting, and Decision Documents

  • Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
  • Federal Use Permits and Plans of Development
  • State Public Utility Commission License and Permits Applications and Corresponding Environmental Assessments
  • Federal, State, and Local Resources Permit Packages and Supporting Documentation
  • Supporting Technical Studies and Reports
  • Constraints, Routing, and Siting Studies and Corresponding Permit Requirements Analyses and Strategies

Corresponding Services We Provide

Meet The Experts

Senior Client Services Director

Steve Stielstra

Steve provides leadership in siting, routing, feasibility, and permitting expertise for major transmission lines and other linear projects nationwide. He brings more than 30 years of experience and demonstrates how quality front-end planning results in successful outcomes.

sstielstra [at] swca.com (Contact Steve  →)
Cara Bellavia, Vice President
Scientific & Technical Services Vice President

Cara Bellavia

Cara has more than 15 years experience in environmental consulting, including social and economic impact analysis, NEPA compliance, and cultural resource management.

cbellavia [at] swca.com (Contact Cara  →)
Senior Project Manager

Ryan Rupprecht

Ryan has over 18 years of professional environmental experience which encompasses environmental permitting, ecological and water resources studies, and project management.

ryan.rupprecht [at] swca.com (Contact Ryan  →)
Client Services Director

Eric Myers

Eric has extensive experience in multi-party infrastructure partnerships and engages developers to identify and satisfy environmental due diligence, siting, permitting and compliance objectives, threatened and endangered species issues, and more.

eric.myers [at] swca.com (Contact Eric  →)