Custom Breaker Cells for Downtown Houston Tunnel Installation

Client

CenterPoint Energy

Project Overview

CenterPoint Energy required two custom breaker cells for installation within Houston's downtown tunnel infrastructure. Due to the unique installation environment, the equipment had to meet strict dimensional requirements to ensure it could be transported through and installed within the tunnel system.

Spike Electric partnered closely with CenterPoint Energy to develop a custom reduced-size solution that met all operational, safety, and space constraints. Leveraging Spike's existing IEEElisted equipment platform and highly experienced in-house engineering team, the project was engineered and manufactured to meet the customer's exact specifications while maintaining the reliability and performance standards required for utility applications.

Despite the custom nature of the design, Spike Electric successfully delivered the equipment within 14 weeks, an impressive lead time for a fully customized medium-voltage solution.

Key Outcomes / Success Points

• Successfully designed and manufactured two custom reduced-size breaker cells for installation in Houston's downtown tunnel network.
• Delivered a fully customized solution within approximately 14 weeks.
• Met stringent dimensional requirements necessary for transportation and installation within a confined underground environment.
• Leveraged existing IEEE-listed equipment designs to accelerate engineering and approval processes.
• Maintained close collaboration with CenterPoint Energy throughout the project lifecycle.
• Achieved a high level of customer satisfaction through transparency and ongoing engagement during production.

Notable Challenges Solved by Spike:

The primary challenge was developing equipment that met CenterPoint Energy's operational requirements while conforming to strict size limitations imposed by the downtown tunnel infrastructure. Even minor deviations from the required dimensions could have created significant transportation, installation, and logistical challenges once the equipment arrived on site.

Spike Electric addressed these challenges through:

• In-house engineering expertise capable of rapidly developing and validating a custom reduced-size design.
• Existing IEEE-listed equipment platforms that provided a proven foundation while allowing for project-specific customization.
• Close coordination between engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure all dimensional requirements were maintained throughout production.
• An open and collaborative project approach that allowed CenterPoint Energy personnel to make frequent visits to Spike Electric's facility during production to review progress and verify that the equipment continued to align with project requirements.

By combining engineering flexibility, manufacturing expertise, and strong customer collaboration, Spike Electric delivered a custom-engineered solution that met all dimensional constraints, avoided potential installation issues, and provided CenterPoint Energy with confidence throughout the project execution process.