I would like to comment on the problems that utility companies allegedly have on construction contracts.

In our experience, the main reason for these delays are the construction company and consultants having little knowledge of the design procedures and safety issues associated with the utility sector.

Time after time our company, Petrie Buchanan Utility Consultants, is drafted in at the last minute to remedy utility infrastructure issues, which probably could have been avoided in the first instance if the following actions had been addressed first:

  • Approach the utility companies at the concept stage to discuss the existing infrastructure and any forward reinforcement that may be required.
  • Provide load requirements early enough to allow the utility to design the network required.
  • Agree the routes of supply before the layout design is firmed up. On so many projects, the architect’s landscape scheme seems to take precedence over a less convoluted services route which adds thousands to utility costs.
  • Get the paperwork in place.

We need to see better industry understanding and partnership in these industries if future delay issues are to be avoided.

John Petrie ACIOB

Source

Construction Manager