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Cost Estimating Methodologies for Substations and Transmission Projects

July 14 - 15, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“As an estimator in the power industry, this course was exactly what I needed in filling gaps in my utility knowledge.”

Estimator, Kenny Construction Company

“Fantastic speakers who both offered a wealth of knowledge and experience.”

Pine Gate Renewables

“Speakers did a great job. It is hard when folks are remote, but the content was helpful, they kept to schedule, and I learned a lot.”

EDF Renewables
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“They did a good job interjecting real world examples to illustrate the material. A good high-level introduction to cost estimating.”

Ameren

Utility transmission and substation projects require substantial capital investment and are subject to complex regulatory, permitting, and construction constraints. Insufficient understanding of key cost drivers and delivery risks can lead to budget overruns and schedule delays.

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the cost considerations and processes involved in major utility projects, particularly focusing on substations, overhead transmission, and underground transmission. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants will examine the key components of utility project development, including planning, site development, and construction for transmission lines. The course introduces the complexities of building transmission infrastructure, covering essential elements such as foundations, conduits, and grounding plans for both overhead and underground systems, while also highlighting the challenges encountered in urban and rural settings.

This course also covers the financial and regulatory aspects of utility projects. Participants will engage with the utility cost estimation process, learning best practices for developing budgets, managing risks, and estimating costs throughout the project lifecycle. A session on permitting, siting, and right-of-way considerations will address environmental impacts, construction challenges, and strategies to streamline project timelines. Finally, a hands-on case study exercise will provide real-world experience in estimating and comparing project costs, rounding out this practical, in-depth course.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify and analyze the major cost components involved in substations, overhead, and underground transmission line projects
  • Review the planning, site development, and construction processes for utility transmission projects
  • Evaluate the environmental and regulatory factors that impact permitting, siting, and right-of-way acquisition, and their effects on project timelines and costs
  • Create accurate cost estimates by applying best practices throughout the project lifecycle, including budgeting, risk management, and performance measurement
  • Distinguish between different contracting methods (e.g., fixed price, cost plus, time and material) and assess the associated risks and benefits for utility projects
  • Apply cost estimation techniques and tools to real-world case studies, comparing projected versus actual costs
  • Develop strategies to manage and mitigate obstacles that could impact project schedules, particularly in urban versus rural contexts

Register

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 1295.00 each(early bird rate)
(price after July 3, 2026 is $ 1,495.00)
Volume pricing also available

Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility

Pack of 5 attendees$ 5,500.00 (15% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after July 3, 2026 is $ 6,350.00)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 10,360.00 (20% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after July 3, 2026 is $ 11,960.00)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 19,425.00 (25% discount)(early bird rate)
(price after July 3, 2026 is $ 22,425.00)

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before June 12, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Day one

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Day two

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Agenda

Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In and Welcome

8:45 AM

Lunch Break

12:30 - 1:15 PM

Adjourn for the day

4:30 PM

8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

Log In and Welcome

12:30 - 1:15 PM

Lunch Break

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Course Timing

Session I: Costs for Major Utility Projects: Substations, Overhead Transmission, and Underground Transmission

Group discussion of major components, including materials and construction 

Project Begins at the Substation 

  • Planning 
  • Site development 

Conduit & Grounding Plan 

  • Foundations 
  • Materials 
  • Substation bus 
  • Conductor/cables overhead 

Transmission Lines 

  • Plan & profile 
  • Staking 
  • Foundations 
  • Structures 
  • Hardware 

Underground Transmission Lines 

  • Plan & profile 
  • Duct bank 
  • Line splice and pull-through vault 
  • Line cable 
  • Line substation riser details 

Session II: Permitting, Siting, and Right of Way Considerations and Costs 

  • Overview of environmental siting process 
  • Potential impacts to project timelines and costs 
  • Urban vs rural considerations 
  • Construction considerations 
  • Strategies to minimize schedule obstacles 

Session III: Utility Cost Estimation Process 

  • Developing budget parameters and the project plan 
  • Utility estimate components 
  • Cost estimating best practices during the project life cycle 
  • Cost reference development 
  • Risk management 
  • Expected accuracy ranges 
  • Measuring performance 
  • Project cost estimate example 

Agenda

Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In

8:45

Adjourn for the day

12:00 PM

8:45 - 9:00 AM

Log In

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Course Timing

Session IV: Methods of Contracting 

  • Identify common types of contracts and contract delivery methods and understand the risks and advantages and disadvantages associated with each
  • Fixed price/lump sum 
  • Cost plus 
  • Time and material 
  • Traditional arrangement/design-bid-build 
  • EPC arrangements and risk management 
  • Open book EPC variations 
  • Impacts to the construction process 

Session V: Project Cost Estimate Exercises  

Class exercise for practical application  

Instructor

David Tennant has successfully directed over $3.5 billion in projects, programs, and resources.  With degrees in engineering and business, he has a unique perspective on projects at both the practitioner and executive levels. His experience includes engineering, operations, marketing, board leadership, consulting, training, and numerous executive roles. 

Mr. Tennant has had projects worldwide and published over 35 articles on technical and managerial topics. His experience includes utilities, manufacturing, services, telecom, R&D, and EPC (engineering) firms. He is a registered professional engineer and certified project manager (PMP). 

David Tennant

Windward Consulting Group LLC

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

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EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 1.0 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

 

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must sign in/out each day and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

PowerPoint presentations, interactive group exercise, and group discussion will be used during this course.

CPE

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 11.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event.  Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.

Who Should Attend

  • Transmission and substation project managers, estimators, and contract managers who are new to the job
  • Transmission and substation engineers 
  • Supply chain and cost accounting professionals for utilities and other energy companies
  • Generation project developers and engineers who need an understanding of transmission components and costs
  • Regulatory agency staff
  • Consultants and engineering firms that work within the electricity transmission sector