We supported a Southern California utility in delivering comprehensive program management and construction oversight for the Strategic Undergrounding Program (SUG), achieving significant performance gains in safety, cost efficiency and stakeholder engagement.
Across North America, in areas struggling with drought and wildfires, one major concern is ensuring continuous power distribution to communities. To support efforts to reduce wildfires and reduce the likelihood of public safety power shutoffs, our confidential Southern California utility client launched the SUG program, a key component of its wildfire mitigation plan. We were selected to lead the program’s execution, providing program management services, pre-construction support, construction oversight and other related tasks. We were challenged with coordinating multiple contractors to improve governance and reporting, strengthen quality and reduce per-unit costs, whilst progressing the undergrounding program and expanding stakeholder engagement. In its first year, we helped the client underground 112 miles of powerlines — a 53 percent increase over the previous year — while reducing cost per mile by 23 percent. These results reflect a scalable, innovative approach to utility infrastructure modernization in areas prone to wildfires.
Comprehensive delivery model for programmatic success
Our delivery model encompassed 18 functional service categories, ranging from engineering and design to environmental and tribal affairs, to sustainability. As strategic partners, the team quickly integrated with the client’s existing operations and local subcontractors to institutionalize best practices and improve program governance. Our programmatic approach included organizational change management, personnel resource management and continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with the client’s priorities and regulatory requirements. More than 30 local businesses, many certified as diverse business enterprises (DBEs) by the California Public Utilities Commission, supported delivery as subcontractors. We structured the program into three phases — strike, bridging and steady state — to enable rapid mobilization, seamless transition and long-term operational success.
Collaborative execution with continuous improvement focus
During the strike phase (day 0–90), we deployed a seasoned initiation team to conduct a maturity assessment and develop a program execution plan. This foundational work included interviews with client leadership and contractors to identify gaps and align strategies.
The bridging phase (day 90–year one) focused on scaling operations, implementing best practices, transitioning pre-construction, project management, and construction oversight lead duties from the client to our teams, and bringing on core subcontractors.
In the steady state phase (year one and beyond), we delivered full governance and service functions. We advanced key program targets for underground mileage and cost per mile, while addressing priorities such as safety, DBE participation, easements, permitting and sustainability, all while regular evaluation and continuous improvement took place. We developed dashboards and key performance indicators (KPIs) to quickly identify bottlenecks and work collaboratively with the client on real-time solutions. This continuous improvement approach reduced rework and helped keep delivery on track.
A scalable model for resilience and growth
In 2024, our work on the SUG program yielded measurable outcomes: an impressive 38 percent DBE procurement spend, 112 miles undergrounded, and a 0.29 days away, restricted or transferred (DART) rate — well below the industry average of 1.5. The team also improved construction and design schedules and engaged nine regional Tribes through 37 meetings and four events. Our collaborative approach fostered trust among property owners, agencies and community groups, streamlining permitting and easement processes. In year one, the team secured 340 easements, 158 county permits and 71 Caltrans permits. The resulting framework and tools provide a scalable, repeatable model that supports the client’s ongoing wildfire mitigation and infrastructure modernization efforts while strengthening long-term resilience.
