Substation Design Services for Utility, Renewable & Industrial Projects

Keentel Engineering specializes in high-voltage substation design and grid interconnection engineering for utility-scale power projects, including solar, wind, and battery storage applications. Our team supports both new builds and retrofits, delivering solutions across LV to 765kV EHV systems.

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Substation Design Services

At Keentel Engineering, we are experts in substation and interconnection engineering support services, offering HV substation design and engineering expertise for projects of all scales. Our experienced and knowledgeable team includes trusted substation consultants with a solid history of engineering, developing, and designing complex utility substation design and switchyard projects across the LV, MV, HV, and EHV spectrum.


We offer end-to-end substation design solutions for new builds, retrofits, and substation interconnection services—including renewable integration, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and smart grid upgrades—all delivered in accordance with IEEE compliant substation engineering standards.

NERC Level 3 Alert

We ensure your substations meet compliance standards like NERC PRC-005-6 and audit readiness requirements through integrated design and protection schemes.
→ Explore our NERC Compliance Services

Why Choose Us

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:

✔ 30+ Years of Experience
✔ Multi-Voltage Substation Design (up to 765kV)
✔ Renewable & Utility-Scale Expertise
✔ BESS, SCADA, and P&C System Specialists
✔ Interconnection Study Support

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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.

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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.

Let's Discuss How to Optimize Your Next Project

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substation design Engineer

Substation Design and Interconnection Engineering

Keentel Engineering specializes in advanced substation engineering and design for utility-scale power systems. With decades of hands-on experience, we deliver fully integrated electrical substation design services and custom substations tailored to your grid and renewable energy goals.

We support all voltage classes — LV, MV, HV, and up to 765kV EHV systems —including retrofits, greenfield construction, and GIS substation design for compact, high-reliability installations.

 Our Substation Engineering Services Include

  • High-voltage substation design for transmission and distribution
  • Protection & Control (P&C) circuit engineering and commissioning support
  • Utility interconnection studies, modeling, and regulatory support
  • Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and PV substation design for solar and wind farms
  • ETAP substation design and simulation modeling
  • Substation switchyard design and busbar layouts for generation tie-ins
  • SCADA integration, RTU programming, and smart grid automation — see our approach to digital substation design using IEC 61850.
  • Ground grid & substation foundation engineering design (IEEE compliant)
  • Relay panel wiring methods (NEC-based)
  • Generation switchyard project engineering and protection & control (P&C)
  • Transformer insulation design consulting for temperature and load stress
substation design solutions

Substation Design Solutions Built for Scale & Reliability

Our breakdown of substation design benefits explains how well-engineered layouts directly improve safety, costs, and operational uptime.Our team provides electrical substation design solutions that are scalable, cost-effective, and technically sound. Whether it's a brownfield upgrade or a generation switchyard owners engineer service, we ensure your project is built to last.

  • Align with IEEE-compliant substation engineering practices
  • Designed for both conventional and renewable generation interconnections
  • Delivered by trusted substation engineering consultants and modelers

We guide you through permitting, modeling, and commissioning.

From Concept to Commissioning

Our substation engineering services support your project lifecycle from initial scope to energization:

  • Project scoping, layout development, and GIS mapping
  • Detailed electrical schematics and control panel configuration
  • Keentel Engineering compliance and modeling support for audit-readiness
  • Relay settings, wiring schedules, and protection coordination
  • Construction inspections, QA/QC, and final commissioning

Curious how substation projects come together? Explore the full substation design process from planning to commissioning.

From urban retrofits to high-capacity solar substations, our team includes certified electrical substation design engineers, experienced drafters, and seasoned substation consultants. We specialize in HV substation design and engineering, ensuring seamless execution across greenfield and brownfield projects. Using advanced 3D modeling, smart substation software, and BIM tools, we deliver IEEE compliant substation engineering that meets modern utility substation design standards and supports reliable substation interconnection services.

Custom Substation Engineering

We provides support for power system engineering design services. We deliver code-compliant & custom substations across the U.S., aligned with modern grid interconnection needs.

Our work integrates Keentel Engineering GIS tools, ETAP simulations, and reliability-based design methods to help you meet NERC, FERC, and ISO/TSO requirements

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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 (FAQs) on Sub

  • 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.

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