CASE STUDY
Lake Weir, FL – As transmission line outages become increasingly difficult to secure—due to rising circuit loads and the demand for grid stability—INTREN has invested in energized transmission capabilities to better serve electric utility customer needs. With this investment, INTREN expanded its transmission line project work in Florida to meet a customer’s need in Central Florida, delivering a complex live-line structure replacement without a single customer interruption. The project not only reinforces Florida’s electrical grid against extreme weather but also marks a major milestone in INTREN’s expansion across the Southeast.
Live-Line Teamwork
Replacing sixty-five (65) aging wood pole transmission structures with new, light-duty steel structures with the 69kV lines energized required not just technical precision but a deep commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. Working across diverse terrains—including sugar sand soil, residential corridors, and protected wildlife zones—INTREN crews utilized heightened communication, collaboration, and stringent methodology throughout every stage of the project.
The team operated under uncompromising transmission live-line protocols, utilizing hot stick techniques and specialized hot arms to perform conductor transfers. With energized lines overhead, repositioning equipment mid-task wasn’t an option. Every movement had to be flawlessly coordinated from the start.
“This project was a team success—there were no individual heroes,” said Shawn Davis, Director of Operations at INTREN. “Every role, every piece, fit together to complete a highly technical project safely and efficiently.”
Safety, First and Always
Throughout the project, safety remained the cornerstone. Annual hot stick testing was increased in frequency, daily testing of non-conductive ropes was enforced, and only qualified linemen with prior energized transmission experience were deployed. Enhanced job briefings and close coordination with the on-site safety team ensured that all steps in the process and procedure were followed.
Environmental compliance also took center stage. Crews worked carefully around gopher tortoise habitats, deploying regulatory matting and following all permitting protocols to protect the local ecosystem.
A New Era of Transmission Capabilities
INTREN’s successful execution in Florida signals the beginning of a new chapter—not only for the company but for utility providers seeking resilient solutions under demanding conditions. As INTREN launches its energized barehand transmission program in 2025, this project serves as a foundation for future innovation and larger-scale delivery.
Chris Wall, INTREN’s Safety Manager, noted the significance of this cultural and operational momentum: “The morale in the field is fantastic. The crews are proud to work for INTREN, and the local excitement has helped us build a strong foundation for long-term success in Florida.”
Building Beyond the Poles
More than a technical feat, the Lake Weir project represents INTREN’s evolving role as a premier partner in transmission infrastructure. With a strong foothold now established in Florida, INTREN and parent company MasTec are positioned to lead the charge in storm hardening and energized transmission across the southeastern United States.
The successful delivery—on time, with zero safety incidents and no service interruptions—reinforces INTREN’s reputation as a people-first, solution-driven contractor. As the industry continues to evolve, INTREN stands ready to partner with utilities and infrastructure leaders to deliver energized solutions that shape the grid of tomorrow.