Substation Electrical Design, Protection, SCADA & Power System Studies

Safe, reliable, and future-ready substation solutions engineered for grid performance, automation, and compliance.

We provide specialized substation electrical engineering, protection & control, SCADA, and power system studies for utilities, renewable energy developers, EPCs, and industrial clients across the United States. Our services focus exclusively on electrical systems, digital substations, communications, and grid integration, ensuring technically sound designs that meet modern operational and cybersecurity expectations.

Our team delivers accurate, compliant, and review-ready substation design packages engineered for long-term reliability, secure operations, and seamless integration with utility and ISO control environments.

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30+ Years of Electrical Engineering Excellence

Utility-grade substation electrical, protection, automation, and power system engineering trusted by utilities, EPCs, and energy developers nationwide.

IEEE | NERC | NFPA | IEC 61850 • ETAP | PSCAD | PSS®E | AutoCAD • Substation Automation & SCADA

Trusted by Utilities & Energy Developers

  • Licensed U.S. Professional Electrical Engineers with national coverage
  • Proven experience supporting utility EMS/DMS and ISO interfaces
  • Deep expertise in digital substations, SCADA integration, and NERC CIP-aware design
  • Trusted partner for utilities, EPCs, and energy developers nationwide

You Will Receive

  • Complete substation electrical design (primary, secondary, auxiliary)
  • Protection, control, and relay engineering aligned with utility and NERC requirements
  • SCADA, automation, and communications design (RTUs, IEDs, gateways, HMI)
  • Substation IT & network architecture with redundancy and cybersecurity
  • Comprehensive power system studies (load flow, short-circuit, arc flash, EMT)
  • Compliance with IEEE, NEC, NESC, NERC, IEC 61850, and utility standards
  • Permit-ready and IFC drawings, specifications, and reports
  • Optimized designs for renewables, IBRs, DERs, and advanced automation

Why Choose Keentel Engineering?

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Client-Focused Work Approach

At Keentel Engineering, we take pride in being the go-to engineering firm for power and utility system planning, design, control, and analysis. Some of the many attributes of our company that set us apart are:

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30 Years of Experience

With three decades of hands-on project delivery, we bring unmatched expertise in substation layout, electrical and civil design, relay protection, and grid-tie solutions. We’ve successfully completed projects in complex terrains, urban retrofit scenarios, and renewable integrations.

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Quality with Innovation

Our engineering process uses AutoCAD 3D, BIM modeling, and system-level design thinking to ensure accurate planning, reduced errors, and strong communication across all stakeholders.

 Our workflow includes 3D substation design, enabling clash-free coordination between structural, electrical, and civil disciplines.

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Attention-to-Detail

From grounding grid studies to relay settings, we engineer every detail to improve reliability, performance, and safety. Our rigorous QA/QC process ensures compliance with IEEE, NFPA, and ISO/TSO interconnection standards.



 Among top electrical substation design companies, Keentel stands out for 30+ years of proven high-voltage project delivery.

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Why Modern Substation Design Requires More Than Drawings

Modern substations must be engineered as integrated electrical and digital systems. Today’s grid demands reliability, compliance, cybersecurity, and seamless IBR integration.

Dependable substation capacity engineering

Dependable Capacity

Engineered for demand, expansion, N-1 contingencies, and renewable variability.

Substation protection and automation

Protection & Automation

Selective, coordinated schemes for fast fault isolation and restoration.

SCADA and digital substation systems

SCADA & Digital Substations

Interoperable architectures integrated with EMS and DMS platforms.

Substation standards and compliance

Standards & Compliance

Aligned with NERC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, IEC 61850, and utility standards.

Cyber aware substation architecture

Cyber-Aware Architecture

Redundant, fault-tolerant designs addressing resilience and security.

IBR integration and power system studies

IBR Integration

Advanced modeling, protection, and controls for solar, wind, and BESS.

Download our Substation Design Services flyer

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What We Deliver

End-to-end substation electrical engineering, protection, SCADA, and power system studies—from feasibility through Issue-for-Construction (IFC) packages and commissioning support.

Feasibility and early electrical planning
01

Feasibility & Early Electrical Planning

Conceptual configurations and studies supporting interconnection, budgets, and risk reduction.

Substation protection and control engineering
02

Electrical, Protection & Control Engineering

Primary, secondary, and auxiliary systems aligned with utility and ISO requirements.

Electrical layout and equipment arrangement
03

Layouts & Equipment Arrangement

General arrangements, equipment clearances, control houses, and routing concepts.

Power system studies and safety analysis
04

Power System Studies & Safety

Load flow, short-circuit, grounding, arc-flash, coordination, and EMT studies.

SCADA and substation automation
05

SCADA & Substation Automation

Secure architectures with EMS/DMS integration and cybersecurity awareness.

Detailed electrical drawings
06

Design Calculations & Drawings

Construction-ready schematics, wiring, logic diagrams, and calculations.

Electrical specifications and material packages
07

Specifications & Material Packages

Equipment specifications, relay requirements, and procurement support.

QA QC compliance and IFC package preparation
08

QA/QC, Compliance & IFC Packages

Independent reviews and complete issue-for-construction deliverables.

Construction testing and commissioning support
09

Construction & Commissioning Support

Engineering support through installation, testing, energization, and handover.

Explore Our Expertise

Explore Our Expertise

Utility-grade electrical, protection, SCADA, and power system engineering— designed for reliability, automation, and regulatory compliance.

EE — Electrical Engineering & Power System Studies

  • Load flow, short-circuit, grounding, and arc-flash studies
  • Equipment rating verification and system sizing
  • Primary and auxiliary substation electrical design
  • Interconnection and grid compliance studies

P&C — Protection, Control & Automation

  • Protection philosophies and coordination studies
  • Relay selection and settings
  • IEC 61850 architectures
  • Testing and commissioning support

SCADA — Substation Automation & IT Systems

  • SCADA architecture and RTU / IED integration
  • Control center interfaces
  • LAN / WAN design
  • NERC CIP-aware system design

TEL — Communications & Network Engineering

  • Substation fiber and Ethernet networks
  • Redundant communications paths
  • Secure network segmentation
  • Renewable facility communications

Types of Substations We Design

Utility-grade substation electrical, protection, and automation designs across all voltage levels and applications. Each design is driven by power system studies, protection philosophy, and operational requirements to ensure long-term performance and compliance.

Transmission Substation

Transmission Substations (69 kV – 500 kV)

High-voltage systems engineered for bulk power transfer, N-1 reliability, and grid stability.

Distribution Substation

Distribution Substations (4 kV – 35 kV)

Medium-voltage substations supporting utility and municipal distribution networks.

Solar and Wind Collector Substation

Solar & Wind Collector Substations

Optimized electrical and protection designs for inverter-based renewable resources.

BESS Interconnection

BESS Interconnections

Substation designs supporting fast-response battery systems and advanced controls.

Industrial Substation

Industrial & Commercial Substations

Reliable electrical and automation systems for data centers, plants, and campuses.

GIS AIS Substation

GIS & AIS Substations

Compact GIS and traditional AIS designs engineered for operational flexibility.

Urban Compact Substation

Urban Compact & Space-Constrained Substations

Electrically optimized designs for dense urban environments and tight sites.

Brownfield Substation Upgrade

Brownfield Upgrades & Retrofit Projects

Modernization and cutover designs minimizing outages and operational risk.

Mobile Substation

Mobile & Temporary Substations

Rapid-deployment substations for emergency response and maintenance bypass.

Substation Design Process

A clear, step-by-step engineering workflow aligned with utility standards, constructability, and long-term operational reliability.

STEP 01

Requirements & Project Definition

Load growth, voltage class, utility standards, permitting, and protection philosophy.

STEP 02

Site Analysis & Feasibility

Geotechnical review, grounding constraints, access, EMF, and regulatory coordination.

STEP 03

Conceptual Design

Layouts, bus schemes, telecom architecture, and early-stage modeling.

STEP 04

Detailed Engineering

Electrical, civil, structural, grounding, and P&C integration.

STEP 05

Calculations & IFC Drawings

Construction-ready drawings, studies, and bill of materials.

STEP 06

QA / QC Peer Review

Compliance checks, internal reviews, and cross-discipline validation.

STEP 07

IFC Submission & Permitting

Utility submissions, authority coordination, and final approvals.

STEP 08

Construction & Commissioning Support

RFIs, field engineering, relay support, and commissioning coordination.

Why Choose Us for Substation Design?

Our engineering approach combines deep technical knowledge, regulatory alignment, and constructible delivery — ensuring safer operations and predictable construction outcomes.

Proven engineering expertise

Proven Engineering Expertise

Delivered substation projects across utilities, voltage classes, and ISO/RTO regions with consistent, repeatable results.

Utility accepted standards

Utility-Accepted Standards

Deliverables aligned to utility templates and compliance requirements to reduce review cycles.

Faster and more accurate delivery

Faster, More Accurate Delivery

Digital workflows and model-based coordination reduce errors and shorten schedules.

Deep renewable and IBR expertise

Deep Renewable & IBR Expertise

IBR modeling, EMT studies, and inverter-specific protection strategies embedded in our designs.

Fewer change orders

Fewer Change Orders

Constructible packages and pre-construction reviews minimize rework and delays.

Nationwide support

Nationwide Support

Licensed engineers across ERCOT, PJM, CAISO, MISO, NYISO, SPP, and municipal utilities.

Industries We Serve

We partner with stakeholders across the power sector and critical infrastructure to deliver substation designs that align with regulatory, operational, and commercial objectives.

Utilities and municipalities

Utilities & Municipalities

Transmission and distribution substations designed to meet utility standards, reliability targets, and long-term asset plans.

Independent power producers

Independent Power Producers (IPP)

Project-ready substation designs aligned with PPA terms, interconnection milestones, and financing requirements.

Renewable developers

Renewable Developers (Solar, Wind, BESS)

Collector and POI substation designs tailored to inverter-based resources, grid-code compliance, and curtailment risk.

EPC contractors

EPC Contractors

Constructible, clearly scoped engineering packages that reduce change orders and align tightly with EPC schedules.

Industrial facilities

Industrial Facilities

Dedicated substations for refineries, manufacturing plants, mining, steel, and other energy-intensive operations.

Data centers and campuses

Data Centers & Campuses

High-availability substation designs for campus-style loads, Tier-certified data centers, and mission-critical facilities.

Substation Engineering Case Studies

Real-world substation engineering delivered across rural electrification, smart cities, renewable energy, and space-constrained urban environments.

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Technical Deliverables

Every project includes a complete and coordinated set of engineering studies, models, and documentation aligned with utility, NERC, IEEE, and project-specific requirements.

Model Testing for Renewable Power Plants

Model Testing for Renewable Power Plants

  • Dynamic and EMT model validation
  • Inverter control performance testing
  • Ride-through and disturbance simulations
  • Utility and ISO model acceptance support
NERC Compliance Studies

NERC Compliance Studies

  • PRC, TPL, MOD, and CIP assessments
  • Compliance-driven engineering studies
  • Evidence development and documentation
  • Audit and enforcement readiness support
Technical Deliverables and Electrical Milestones

Technical Deliverables & Electrical Milestones

  • IFR, IFC, and as-built engineering packages
  • Protection philosophies and relay settings
  • Utility submission and approval milestones
  • Commissioning and closeout documentation
Power System Studies

Power System Studies

  • Load flow and voltage analysis
  • Short-circuit and breaker duty studies
  • Grounding and arc-flash assessments
  • Stability, harmonic, and EMT analysis

Compliance & Standards

Our substation engineering is fully aligned with national, regional, and utility-specific compliance requirements to ensure smooth approvals, safe operation, and audit-ready documentation.

IEEE Standards

IEEE

Designs follow IEEE standards for equipment ratings, grounding, protection, and electrical safety.

NEC NESC

NEC / NESC

Compliance with electrical code and safety standards governing clearances and work practices.

NERC FAC PRC MOD

NERC MOD / PRC / FAC

Model validation, protection coordination, and facility ratings requirements built into every project.

Utility Standards

Utility Standards

Substation layouts and drawings aligned to each utility’s preferred methods and review formats.

FERC ISO RTO

FERC & ISO/RTO Rules

Engineering aligned with PJM, MISO, CAISO, ERCOT, and other regional requirements.

IEC 61850

IEC 61850

Substation automation, GOOSE messaging, and digital architecture built to IEC standards.

Substation Design for Renewable Projects

We deliver high-performance renewable substation engineering built for fast-changing inverter technologies, variable generation, and modern grid requirements.

Solar Collector Systems

Substation layouts, grounding, power flow, and protection tailored for high-density solar arrays.

Wind Collector Substations

Engineered to handle variable wind generation, changing dispatch, and remote collection circuits.

BESS + HV Integration

Full-scope substation design for hybrid resources, standalone batteries, and high-speed response systems.

Inverter–Transformer Coordination

Correct matching of inverter output, transformer MVA, impedance, and protection for reliable performance.

IBR Ride-Through Requirements

Design aligned with PRC, MOD, and evolving IBR interconnection and grid-support requirements.

Harmonics & Flicker Mitigation

Analysis and design that ensure stable power quality on weak and constrained grids.

Low-Short-Circuit Grid Support

Fault-level support strategies for weak-grid renewables, including advanced IBR behavior modeling.

Our renewable-focused substation engineering aligns with the latest inverter-based resource standards, modeling practices, and NERC Level 3 IBR compliance expectations—helping utilities and developers streamline approvals and reduce technical risk.

Frequently Included Studies

Most substation and grid-interconnection projects require a core set of power system studies. The matrix below summarizes why each analysis is performed and where it is typically required.

Study Purpose Required For
LF
Load Flow
 Validate system capacity and identify thermal or voltage constraints. Utilities, developers, and large-load customers.
SC
Short Circuit
 Confirm breaker duties and protection coordination. All substations and major equipment additions.
AF
Arc-Flash
 Quantify incident energy and define safe working boundaries. OSHA, NFPA 70E, and utility safety programs.
GR
Grounding
 Verify touch and step voltages and grid performance. IEEE 80 and utility requirements.
HM
Harmonics
 Assess harmonic distortion from inverter-based resources. Solar, wind, BESS, and IBR-heavy projects.
IC
Insulation Coordination
 Select BIL levels and surge protection. High-voltage and transmission-class substations.
To explore each analysis in more depth, visit our detailed overview of power system studies.

Pricing & Timeline Overview

Project cost and schedule depend on technical scope, utility requirements, and site complexity. Below is a high-level summary of factors that typically influence budgets and timelines.

Cost Drivers

  • Voltage level and bus configuration
  • Greenfield vs brownfield complexity
  • Required engineering studies and modeling
  • Utility documentation & review standards
  • Construction & commissioning support scope

Timeline Factors

  • Utility and ISO review cycles
  • Permitting & environmental milestones
  • Stakeholder design iterations & approvals
  • Equipment procurement lead times

We serve across North America

We support utilities, EPCs, renewable developers, and industrial clients across major North American regions and nearby territories.

Primary Service Countries
United States Canada Mexico
Additional North American Coverage
Belize Costa Rica Dominican Republic Jamaica Guatemala Honduras Panama Trinidad & Tobago Barbados Bahamas El Salvador Nicaragua Saint Lucia Grenada Antigua & Barbuda Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Dominica Haiti Saint Kitts & Nevis
For a tailored cost/time estimate, include project voltage, site type (greenfield/brownfield), and expected studies — we’ll provide a concise estimate and timeline.

Our Clients

Serving utilities, EPCs, developers, and infrastructure organizations supporting critical power systems nationwide.

Download our Substation Design Services flyer

Please click the Download button to get our Substation Design Services flyer

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We Go Above and Beyond

We stay current on the latest utility and smart grid standards. Our engineers design substations that are built for future expansion, automation, and integration with digital relays, smart SCADA, and real-time monitoring systems.

We don’t just meet specs — we shape systems that align with your long-term grid strategy.

For more information or service assistance, call us on 813-389-7871.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a substation services, and why is it important in power systems?

    A substation is a critical facility in the electrical power system where voltage levels are transformed, power is switched, or distributed to ensure efficient and safe delivery of electricity from generation sources to end-users.

  • What does a substation designer do?

    A substation designer works with engineers to create the drawings and documents needed to build or upgrade a substation. They prepare detailed design packages, including layout plans, equipment placement, wiring diagrams, material lists, and cable schedules for transmission or distribution substations.

  • What are the different types of substations?

    • Transmission Substations: Step up or step down voltage levels for long-distance transmission.
    • Distribution Substations: Deliver power to end-users at lower voltage levels.
    • Switching Substations: Perform switching operations without voltage transformation.
    • Collector Substations: Aggregate power from renewable sources like wind or solar farms.

  • What are the key components of a substation?

    • Transformers

    • Circuit Breakers

    • Disconnect Switches

    • Busbars

    • Protection Relays

    • Lightning Arresters

    • Control and SCADA systems

  • What are the primary considerations when designing a substation?

    Key considerations include site location, voltage levels, fault levels, load capacity, safety, environmental impact, and compliance with standards like IEEE and IEC.

  • What is the difference between AIS (Air Insulated Substation) and GIS (Gas Insulated Substation)?

    AIS uses air as an insulating medium, requiring more space but is cost-effective. GIS uses gas (e.g., SF6) for insulation, allowing compact designs but at a higher cost.

  • How do you determine the layout of a substation?

    The layout depends on factors like available space, voltage levels, type of substation, reliability requirements, and operational flexibility. Single-line diagrams are used to plan layouts.

  • What standards are followed in substation design?

    • IEEE Standards (e.g., IEEE 80 for grounding)
    • IEC Standards (e.g., IEC 61850 for communication protocols)
    • Local utility or national grid requirements.

  • How is the substation voltage level determined?

    Voltage levels are based on system requirements, load demands, and distance of power transmission. Common levels include 132kV, 230kV, and 500kV.

  • What are the considerations for grounding in a substation?

    A robust grounding system ensures personnel safety, equipment protection, and reliable operation. Design includes calculating ground grid resistance and step-and-touch voltage limits.

  • How do you calculate the short-circuit current for substation design?

    Short-circuit studies are conducted using software like ETAP or PSSE. Inputs include system impedance, transformer ratings, and network configuration.

  • What is substation protection and control (P&C)?

    P&C involves monitoring and safeguarding substation equipment from faults using relays, circuit breakers, and SCADA systems.

  • What are common protection schemes in substations?

    • Differential protection for transformers.
    • Overcurrent and distance protection for transmission lines.
    • Busbar protection schemes.

  • How do you choose protection relays for a substation?

    Relay selection is based on fault type, system voltage, current levels, and required protection schemes. Common brands include SEL, GE, and ABB.

  • What is the role of SCADA in substation design?

    SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) enables remote monitoring and control of substation equipment, improving reliability and response times.

  • What is the typical timeline for constructing a substation?

    Timelines vary based on size and complexity, ranging from 12 to 36 months, including design, procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.

  • What are the key steps in commissioning a substation?

    • Visual inspection and equipment checks.
    • Functional testing of relays and breakers.
    • Energization and performance verification.

  • What safety precautions are taken during substation construction?

    Safety measures include PPE, proper grounding, arc flash studies, and adherence to OSHA or local safety regulations.

  • How is a substation monitored and maintained?

    Substations are monitored using SCADA and regularly maintained through inspections, testing, and condition-based maintenance programs.

  • What is the importance of periodic testing in substations?

    Periodic testing ensures the reliability and longevity of equipment, identifies potential failures, and ensures compliance with standards.

  • What is the role of thermal imaging in substation maintenance?

    Thermal imaging detects hotspots in equipment like transformers and breakers, preventing failures and unplanned outages.

  • What is a digital substation?

    A digital substation uses IEC 61850-based communication, replacing conventional copper wiring with fiber optics for enhanced reliability and scalability.

  • How are renewable energy sources integrated into substation designs?

    Renewable sources are connected via collector systems to step-up transformers and integrated into the grid while managing power variability.

  • Where can I find companies specializing in electric substation protection and control engineering?estion

      Keentel Engineering serves this exact need—our protection & control engineers handle relay coordination, SCADA/RTU configuration, and control building integration for utility-grade substations.

Insights and Learnings on Substation Design from Our Experienced Engineers

Electrical substation with large transformers, power lines, and switches on a grassy lot under a blue sky.

Guide to Substation Design and Engineering – Keentel Engineering

By SANDIP R PATEL • May 12, 2025
Discover Keentel Engineering’s step-by-step approach to substation design, ETAP-based simulations, and real-world grid projects—also FAQs and Case studies.
Diagram of a substation with

Digital Substation Design and Automation with IEC 61850

By SANDIP R PATEL • May 12, 2025
Explore Keentel Engineering’s practical approach to IEC 61850 digital substation design, automation workflows, and real-world implementation—also see our case studies and we answered top FAQs.
Electrical substation with transformers, metal framework, and power lines.

Substation Earthing Design – Protecting Infrastructure and Lives

By SANDIP R PATEL • May 6, 2025
Ensure safe HV/MV operations with Keentel’s CDEGS-based earthing design. We meet EN 50522 & IEEE 80 standards. Protect lives—explore our solutions.
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Substation Engineering Case Studies: Design, Protection & System Studies

By SANDIP R PATEL • May 3, 2025
Discover Keentel Engineering’s turnkey substation projects—from 345 kV greenfield and 230 kV GIS upgrades to 115 kV BESS collector and 500 kV bulk stations—featuring primary/secondary layouts, CDEGS grounding, PSSE/PSCAD modeling, protection schemes, and first-time energization.
Electrical substation with transformers, insulators, and power lines against a clear sky.

IEEE-Compliant EHV, HV & MV Substation Design Services by Keentel

By SANDIP R PATEL • April 23, 2025
Explore Keentel Engineering’s IEEE-compliant EHV, HV & MV substation design services with real-world case studies and proven utility-grade results.
Power plant with smoke stacks and wind turbines, blue building against a clear sky.

How Do Electrical Substations Benefit Municipal Utilities?

By SANDIP R PATEL • December 22, 2024
Learn how electrical substations benefit municipal utilities. Enhance power distribution, reliability, and efficiency—explore the advantages today!
A fenced electrical substation with transformers, switches, and overhead power lines.

Substation Design in Electrical Power System

By SANDIP R PATEL • September 1, 2023
Discover how Keentel Engineering excels in substation design for power system, delivering solutions for secure and efficient power flow.
Electrical substation with brown insulators and metal supports against a blue sky.

A Guide to the Substation Design Process

By SANDIP R PATEL • January 24, 2022
Learn how to design an electrical substation step-by-step—from planning and layout to regulatory compliance. See Keentel’s engineering guide now.
Electrical substation with transformers, metal structures, and wiring under a blue sky.

Benefits of Electrical Substation Design

By SANDIP R PATEL • January 17, 2022
Explore the key benefits of electrical substation design, including fault isolation, SCADA monitoring, grid safety, and scalable power systems.