Case Study: Power System Studies That Support Real Operating Decisions
Key Achievements
Hundreds of studies delivered over 15+ years, spanning voltage levels from low-voltage DC systems to 240 kV transmission interconnections.
Study results translated into practical decisions, not just compliance documentation, guiding real capital and operational choices.
Electrical system knowledge is preserved over time through long-lived ETAP models maintained and updated alongside facility changes.
Introduction
C&R Projects supports operating companies across oil and gas, energy infrastructure, power generation, wood products, and industrial processing in the United States. These facilities depend on accurate, defensible power system studies to safely manage expansion, equipment replacement, and long-term electrical risk while staying in continuous operation. Over more than 15 years, C&R has delivered hundreds of short circuit, arc flash, load flow, protection coordination, and grounding studies across voltage levels ranging from low-voltage DC systems to 240 kV transmission interconnections.
Challenge
Facilities coming to C&R typically had aging or evolving electrical systems layered with years of modifications, incomplete or outdated study models, and tight electrical capacity margins, all while balancing operational, safety, and capital constraints against compliance requirements. Because most studies are performed on live, operating facilities, they required careful coordination with operations, real operating scenarios instead of theoretical cases, and clear communication of assumptions, limitations, and sensitivities.
Without accurate, well-interpreted studies, facilities risked replacing equipment that didn't need it, delaying or cancelling expansion projects, running with misaligned protection settings, carrying unnecessary operational or safety risk, and losing confidence in their own engineering data.
Solution
C&R Projects built and maintained ETAP-based power system models and delivered short circuit, arc flash, load flow, protection coordination, and grounding studies across voltage ranges from low-voltage DC through 240 kV transmission interfaces. Model updates were tied to Management of Change so the electrical record stayed current as facilities evolved, and study results were integrated directly into operational and capital planning rather than filed away. All studies were executed in line with IEEE 1584 and applicable IEEE, CSA, and IEC standards, and client-specific electrical and safety policies, going beyond a compliance report to explain where compliance limits flexibility and how risk could be mitigated.
ETAP models are maintained and updated over the years, not rebuilt from scratch each time
Legacy study models are inherited and rehabilitated rather than discarded
Scenario-based analysis used to reflect real operating conditions
Engineering judgment applied to balance safety, reliability, and practicality
Key Results
Hundreds of standalone power system studies delivered over more than 15 years across industrial and energy facilities
Study results translated into practical, actionable guidance that informed real operational and capital decisions
Electrical system knowledge preserved through long-lived ETAP models updated alongside facility changes
Greater confidence in electrical system limits, with better alignment between protection, equipment ratings, and operations
Reduced uncertainty during expansions and modifications, and a stronger link between engineering studies and day-to-day decisions
Looking Ahead
Power system studies continue to form the foundation for Management of Change activities, insurance and audit reviews, reliability improvement programs, and long-term asset management strategies. C&R Projects treats these studies as a decision-support tool, not a checkbox exercise, helping clients understand their limitations, options, and paths forward.