Powering the Future: Transmission Engineering Solutions in the ComEd and PJM Territories

Introduction: Why ComEd’s Supplemental Projects Matter

As the Midwest’s power grid evolves to meet increasing demand, aging infrastructure, and the integration of renewable energy, ComEd’s Supplemental Projects—aligned with the PJM M-3 planning process —highlight the need for innovative transmission engineering solutions. Keentel Engineering is positioned as a strategic partner to deliver safe, reliable, and future-ready power systems.

Project Highlights & Engineering Implications

Dresden 345kV Breaker Replacement (ComEd-2024-017)

• Challenge: Obsolete 1968 oil circuit breakers are no longer maintainable.
• Keentel’s Role: End-to-end support from assessment to SF6 breaker specification, procurement, and commissioning.
• Upgrade Details:
  • Existing: 1600A, 40kA
  • New: SF6 3000A, 63kA
  • Value: Increased capacity, reliability, and reduced maintenance.

Plano Area Transmission – 600 MW Load Interconnection (ComEd-2024-015)

• Challenge: New industrial load requires up to 600 MW by 2029.
• Keentel’s Role:
  • 345kV line extension design
  • New Eldamain substation layout
  • Interconnection protection & control schemes
  • Permitting and regulatory filing support

MISO LRTP Tranche 2.1 Integration (ComEd-2024-023)

• Challenge: 765kV system expansion for regional congestion relief
• Proposed Scope:
  • Collins 765kV expansion
  • Two 765kV transmission lines
  • 300 MVAR reactors and Woodford substation
• Keentel’s Expertise:
  • HV/EHV substation and line design
  • Grounding, surge protection, and relay settings
  • NERC, PJM, and MISO compliance

➡️ Substation Design Services

Keentel Engineering: Trusted Partner for Transmission Excellence

With decades of expertise in 345kV to 765kV transmission engineering, Keentel offers:

• Transmission line routing, structure design, and thermal analysis
• Substation engineering (ring bus, breaker-and-a-half, GIS)
• Relay protection and interconnection studies
• Owner’s engineering and QA/QC
• Regulatory filing support (FERC, PJM, NERC)

➡️ PJM RTEP and system studies

Frequently Asked Questions – ComEd & PJM Transmission Engineering

General & Strategic

1. What role does Keentel Engineering play in ComEd or PJM transmission projects?

Keentel provides comprehensive engineering services including design, relay protection, system studies, interconnection support, and regulatory compliance for HV/EHV transmission and substation projects.

2. How does Keentel support utilities with aging infrastructure like the Dresden 345kV circuit breaker replacement?

We assess equipment condition, recommend modern replacements (e.g., SF6 breakers), and support procurement, installation, and commissioning phases.

3. Is Keentel experienced with PJM’s M-3 planning process?

Yes, our team is well-versed in PJM’s M-3 process, including assumptions, need identification, solution evaluations, and Do-No-Harm (DNH) assessments.

4. Does Keentel handle transmission line routing and design?

Absolutely. We provide route analysis, conductor and structure design, and compliance with IEEE, NESC, and PJM guidelines.

5. Can you help with high-voltage substation expansions like the Collins 765kV project?

Yes, we design bus layouts, specify major equipment like reactors and transformers, and coordinate integration with grid operators such as MISO and PJM.

Technical Engineering

6. What’s the importance of transitioning from oil to SF6 breakers?

SF6 breakers offer higher interrupting capacity, improved reliability, and lower long-term maintenance, making them ideal for modern HV substations.

7. How does Keentel ensure relay protection compliance?

We perform detailed protection and coordination studies and develop settings to comply with NERC PRC standards and PJM protection criteria.

8. Can Keentel handle breaker-and-a-half bus configurations?

Yes. Our substation design team regularly delivers layouts for ring bus, breaker-and-a-half, and GIS substations.

9. What’s your experience with 765kV transmission systems?

Keentel has experience designing ultra-high voltage systems, including line routing, electromagnetic analysis, and grounding system engineering.

10. How do you support capacitor and reactor installations?

We handle electrical sizing, layout design, transient studies, and breaker specification for reactors and capacitor banks in EHV substations.

Compliance & Studies

11. Can Keentel assist with the MISO Tranche 2.1 compliance requirements?

Yes, we align our engineering scope with MISO’s Appendix A and long-range transmission planning (LRTP) guidelines.

12. What studies does Keentel provide for PJM RTEP integration?

We support steady-state, short-circuit, and stability studies for interconnection approvals under PJM’s RTEP process.

13. Do you perform grounding and safety studies for substations?

Yes. We conduct IEEE Std 80-based grounding grid designs, step-and-touch potential studies, and fence grounding calculations.

14. Are you familiar with Do-No-Harm (DNH) analysis requirements?

Yes, our team supports pre- and post-project impact evaluations required under PJM’s DNH assessment process.

15. What role does Keentel play in customer interconnection (like Plano’s 600 MW load)?

We assist in point of interconnection (POI) selection, equipment design, protective relay coordination, and customer-side system impact studies.

Delivery & Operations

16. How soon can Keentel mobilize for a new project?

We offer quick response for conceptual studies and can deploy engineers rapidly to support detailed design phases upon contract execution.

17. Does Keentel offer Owner’s Engineer services?

Yes, we act as Owner’s Engineers to review third-party designs, verify compliance, and support project execution oversight.

18. How does Keentel ensure project cost control?

We provide accurate design-based cost estimating, procurement support, and offer value engineering options to reduce CAPEX.

19. What tools and platforms does Keentel use?

We utilize PLS-CADD, ETAP, PSCAD, PSSE, ASPEN OneLiner, AutoCAD, and CYME for design and studies.

20. Is Keentel available for long-term partnerships on multi-year PJM or ComEd projects?

Absolutely. We build enduring relationships with utilities and IPPs through multi-phase support, including permitting, design, and commissioning

Let’s Connect: Power Transmission with Precision

Keentel Engineering is ready to help you meet the evolving transmission needs of ComEd and PJM.

Contact us or call 813-389-7871 to get started on your next infrastructure project.