Grid modernization projects are surging—from substation upgrades to undergrounding efforts and new interconnection points for renewables. But as timelines tighten and scopes grow more complex, utility leaders face an uncomfortable truth: many grid construction projects are failing to meet quality standards.
Whether it’s improper cable depth, missed inspections, or undocumented installations, small quality gaps can cause costly delays, outages, or even safety risks. In fact, many project failures don’t come from poor planning—they come from execution blind spots in the field.
To build smarter grids, utilities need smarter quality control.
Grid construction failures aren’t just expensive—they’re dangerous. Incomplete or incorrect fieldwork can result in equipment malfunctions, regulatory violations, and public safety hazards. These problems often stem from:
Lack of real-time visibility into field progress
Unverified installation steps
Manual documentation that’s incomplete or delayed
According to research from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), construction quality issues account for a significant portion of utility project delays and added costs—often ranging between 10-20% of total project budgets.
Most utilities still rely on end-of-day reports, spreadsheets, or verbal updates from the field. While these systems might work for smaller scopes, they break down at scale or when multiple subcontractors and inspectors are involved.
Common quality risks include:
Without structured, verifiable proof of completion at each phase, issues are discovered too late—leading to rework, failed inspections, and extended closeout timelines.
Modern quality control isn’t about adding more steps—it’s about automating what should already be happening. Construction tracking platforms like Vitruvi allow teams to document and verify work as it’s completed.
Here’s how it works:
Field crews use mobile devices to capture time-stamped, geo-tagged images at key milestones
Supervisors and office teams review progress through live dashboards
Quality checklists are embedded in daily workflows to ensure nothing is missed
This structure means every trench, conduit, transformer, or splice has a digital audit trail—improving both compliance and accountability.
The earlier quality issues are caught, the less they cost. Real-time field verification helps eliminate rework by:
Utility construction projects are evolving—fast. Whether you're integrating DERs, expanding capacity, or rebuilding infrastructure after weather events, there's no room for quality misses.
A smarter grid requires smarter oversight.
By integrating quality control into the fabric of daily fieldwork, utilities can:
Reduce regulatory risk
Shorten time to energization
Improve safety and reliability
Protect public trust
Grid construction is no longer about just getting the job done—it’s about getting it right, the first time.
When quality control is embedded in your field execution strategy, projects stay on track, budgets stay intact, and the grid gets stronger. That’s how utilities build resilience—and reputation.
Want to see how Vitruvi helps utility teams track quality, reduce rework, and deliver more reliable infrastructure?
👉 Book a demo