Our Services
At Leatherwood Engineering, we provide specialized consulting, project management, owner’s engineering, and design solutions for transmission and distribution power line projects. Our services are built around the simple principle of listening to our clients express their particular needs so we can deliver practical, high-quality results that meet the real-world needs of utilities and private developers. Whether you need strategic insight for project planning, experienced leadership for program execution, or specialized design teams to tackle complex challenges, we offer the expertise and flexibility to help you succeed — from initial concept through final energization.
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Planning & Feasability
Leatherwood Engineering supports clients from the earliest stages of project development, offering comprehensive planning and feasibility services for transmission and distribution systems. We combine technical insight and financial rigor to help you assess viability, manage risk, and set your project on a successful path.
Class 5, 4, and 3 Cost Estimates
We will build a team to deliver structured cost estimation services aligned with AACE (Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering) standards:
Class 5 (Order-of-Magnitude): Ideal for early-stage decision-making when project definition is minimal. Accuracy typically ranges from –50% to +100%, or in better-defined cases, –20% to +30%.
Class 4 (Feasibility Study): Used for concept validation and high-level planning, with estimated accuracy between –30% to +50%.
Class 3 (Budget/Control Estimates): Developed from preliminary or basic engineering (10–40% defined) and used to establish realistic budgets; accuracy typically falls between –20% to +30%.
These phased estimates help you make informed decisions throughout planning, balancing confidence and scope at each stage.
Wildfire Weather Station Feasibility Assessments
With increasing wildfire risk in many regions, utilities are deploying onsite weather stations to support dynamic line rating, monitor environmental conditions, and enhance grid safety. Leatherwood helps assess site suitability, instrumentation needs, and integration options to ensure reliable data support for resiliency strategies.
River Crossing & Long‑Span Line Evaluation and Design
Crossing water bodies or challenging terrain requires sophisticated engineering. We evaluate span behavior, tension loads, structure foundations, and environmental limitations, then craft optimized designs that ensure structural integrity, code compliance, and operational reliability.
Transmission Conductor Selection & Optimization
Choosing the right conductor type—whether aluminum, steel-reinforced, or advanced composite—directly affects project performance, sag and clearance behavior, and lifecycle cost. We analyze ampacity requirements, thermal ratings, dynamic line rating potentials, load scenarios, and cost-benefit implications, delivering conductor solutions that balance capacity, economy, and long-term efficiency.
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Engineering & Design
Transmission & Distribution Greenfield, Rebuilds and Reconductoring
Whether you’re building a new line, upgrading aging infrastructure or increasing capacity, we can provide services to complete your design package using PLSCADD™ and other COTS design software.
Pole Replacement (Wood & Steel)
Structural integrity and safety are paramount. We design and oversee the replacement of both wood and steel poles—tailoring material choices, foundation designs, and installation methods to site-specific loads, environmental conditions, and long-term maintenance goals.
Grid Modernization & Hardening Initiatives
Modernization isn’t just about upgrading hardware—it’s about building flexibility, intelligence, and resilience into the grid. From physical asset hardening and storm mitigation to communications-enabled infrastructure and greater DER integration, our design services deliver comprehensive grid modernization aligned with clean energy and resiliency goals.
Grid Resiliency Conversions (Overhead to Underground)
Burying lines can dramatically lower outage risk and wildfire ignitions while improving aesthetics and reliability. We guide clients through capex/lifecycle evaluations, environmental considerations, and execution planning—tailoring underground solutions to urban, rural, or disaster-prone areas.
Underground Distribution “Getaways” from Substations
A critical juncture in system design, underground getaways require meticulous coordination of duct bank layout, thermal loading, and transition structures. We design reliable, maintainable pathways that smoothly connect substations to distribution feeders, supporting safe and efficient service delivery.
Environmental Permitting & Real Estate Acquisition Support
Engineering is only as effective as its delivery environment. We support environmental permitting and real estate acquisition with technical studies, permitting-ready design documentation, and stakeholder-aligned engineering—to help clients navigate the regulatory process with confidence.
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Reliability & Compliance
Leatherwood Engineering can assist with program development, management and implementation to maintain the reliability and compliance to client standards, upgrade initiatives, or code compliance. From design reinforcement foundations to managing complex joint-use programs, our services help jour clients uphold safety, extend asset life, and reduce risk. We have experience to tailor solutions to fit your needs - not ours.
Service Highlights
Steel Pole Foundation Remediation (Caisson & Direct-Buried)
Steel pole installations often encounter unknown soil conditions or in some cases, improper installation. Whether anchored by caissons or directly embedded, failed foundations must be installed to the client’s specifications and code compliance. We evaluate designs and installations to develop the best value remediation plans—such as pressure grouting and structure/foundation reinforcement—to restore integrity in lieu of replacement cost. These solutions can extend service life, manage construction costs and avoid costly outages.
Guy Strain Insulator Compliance Reviews & Remediation
Guy wires must meet strict standards for both load-bearing and insulation resistance. We conduct precise compliance reviews in the field using NESC, RUS or utility guidelines and recommend corrective actions to ensure safety and minimize liability exposure.
Joint Use Program Coordination (“Make-Ready” & Compliance)
Managing joint infrastructure usage—including poles shared with telecom providers—requires meticulous coordination. Leatherwood provides end-to-end joint-use program support: structural analysis, make-ready engineering design, clearance audits, and attachment permit management.
We can also develop design criteria, processing documents to support third party engineering and design of third-party facility attachments to your T&D infrastructure. This helps utilities protect that infrastructure, ensure safety, allocate costs, and simplify administration. -
Service Extensions & Standards Development
Leatherwood Engineering supports utilities with both system growth and design consistency—offering engineering support for new service extensions and the development of customized technical standards.
Power Extension Requests
We assist clients with new service requests for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, guiding them through the utility coordination process from start to finish. Our services include route planning, cost estimation, permitting support, and easement coordination—all delivered in line with utility extension policies and applicable codes. With experience working across both public and private development landscapes, we help projects stay on track and avoid common roadblocks in early-stage utility engagement.
Standards Development & Documentation
Well-defined standards are critical for delivering safe, consistent, and code-compliant infrastructure. Leatherwood develops design, construction, and operations standards tailored to your systems, regional requirements, and organizational needs. We also produce reference documentation—such as design manuals and field guides—to ensure that both internal teams and external partners are aligned in execution. Whether you’re formalizing practices for the first time or modernizing outdated documentation, we help you build a foundation for scalable growth.
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Program Project & Leadership
Leatherwood Engineering provides experienced leadership for complex utility initiatives—guiding programs and projects from concept through completion with an emphasis on clarity, coordination, and results.
Program Management for Multi-Phase Utility Initiatives
We manage multi-phase programs that encompass planning, design, permitting, procurement, and construction progress. Our team works across disciplines and stakeholder groups to keep long-term efforts aligned with budget, scope, and schedule expectations. Whether you’re coordinating across multiple departments, regions, or regulatory checkpoints, we bring structure and insight to keep the big picture on track.
Project Management from Planning Through Execution
For single-scope or one-off projects, we offer hands-on project management that supports every phase—from initial feasibility and engineering through procurement, contractor coordination, and closeout. We act as an extension of your team, helping you mitigate risk, manage resources, and meet your delivery goals with confidence.
Technical Team Management for Large Transmission Projects
Successful delivery of transmission line projects requires detailed oversight and integrated technical collaboration. We build and manage multi-disciplinary teams that include structural, civil, electrical, and environmental specialists—ensuring that everyone is moving in sync and working toward your project’s goals. From remote greenfield builds to urban rebuilds, we provide the leadership needed to manage complexity without losing momentum.
Our Power . . . is Service.
We aim to please through performance. If you don’t see in our posted services something your company needs, please reach out. We have decades of experience and love to be on the cutting edge of technology, so give us a call and we would like to listen to any challenge you might be facing and consult about your best step forward.
Contact us
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