Navigate Renewable Generation Interconnection Projects While Mitigating Risk

The Challenge

The challenge of assessing technical feasibility and managing the complexity of new transmission level generators has resulted in years-long interconnection queues with most Independent System Operators (ISOs). But when the project clusters eventually get approvals, it can blindside utilities with project loads, often resulting in inexperienced staff managing projects that are often already years behind schedule.

EXPONENT'S MULTIDISCIPLINARY SOLUTION

Exponent offers utilities critical support for harnessing the promise of new interconnection projects through technology evaluations, full project lifecycle management, risk mitigation, claims monitoring and assessments, and more.

Today's renewable energy projects are more complex than ever. From supply chain disruptions to managing resources from across the globe, staying ahead of the potential risks while keeping the project scope, schedule, and costs in line can be challenging.
Exponent has developed improved processes to manage the interconnection process, overseeing projects throughout their lifecycle while mitigating risks. We have created and monitored project schedules and budgets, helping to ensure compliance with contractual agreements; helped identify technical study scenarios given the project location and queue; and reviewed technical study reports to provide insights on the best approach for utilities to assist developers in getting their projects built.
Exponent has spent years working alongside some of the largest utilities in the U.S. to address their large interconnection backlogs. We have aided in fast-tracking the permitting process, provided value engineering to mitigate long lead materials, properly captured risks to secure capital spend, and created efficiencies with construction due to our vast understanding of the processes involved. Our services have contributed to cost savings for our clients and a better understanding of risks for future projects.
A successful construction project requires expert choreography across dozens of teams to avoid delays, cost overruns, or catastrophes. Exponent's multidisciplinary teams deliver solid engineering and management insights that help projects avoid trouble and provide technical clarity when disputes do arise.
In reviewing and analyzing construction claims, our experts have performed detailed schedule analyses on generation projects that experienced delays and provided damage assessments for incidents and failures on project sites. Our team brings practical knowledge and hands-on experience in the construction industry to your most formidable scheduling, cost, and technical challenges.

EXPONENT'S IMPACT

Exponent has helped interconnect over 4 gigawatts of renewable generation and battery storage facilities, working alongside both utilities and project developers to establish requirements, manage construction, and work through complex claims. Our end-to-end construction consulting services have supported projects throughout the western U.S., accelerating renewable energy transition goals while contributing best practices across project types, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric, in addition to grid-scale battery storage. Our technical experts have also helped address legal challenges to numerous generation projects by analyzing equipment failures, detecting material defects, analyzing schedule delays, and more.

Capabilities

What Can We Help You Solve?

Across decades of work with utilities, we've developed specialized capabilities to address your most vital challenges. And we thrive on innovating new ways to help.