Modular Specialty Buildings

Modular Construction for Utility Companies

Oct 4, 2023

Common Issues in the Utility Industry & How Modular Can Help

As one of the top five infrastructure industries in the United States, energy and power play a huge role in our daily lives. However, energy as a whole has been graded with a C- by the American Society of Civil Engineers, so there are opportunities for growth and improvement.

The Infrastructure Report Card states that weather-related power outages still present a real threat to the energy industry, with a lot of outages happening around the distribution infrastructure. They believe that additional transmission and distribution infrastructure would help increase the reliability of energy provided nationwide.

In this next section, we’ll outline some of the most common issues and how prefab facilities and modular construction can help your utility company avoid them.

Moving Towards Decarbonization

The utility industry has been infamous for its large carbon footprint. The electric power sector alone accounts for 31% of total carbon dioxide emissions from the United States. Moving forward, it’s an important goal for energy companies to reduce their carbon footprint and energy emissions.

Alternative energies and renewable resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower have all brought a positive impact on the industry and environment. However, the reality is, that other types of utilities are still emitting a lot of greenhouse gasses. There needs to be a shift to help reduce the overall negative environmental impact of these power plants.

One way this industry has seen forward momentum toward sustainability is through low-carbon infrastructure. Prefab facilities can support these efforts because their construction process reduces the amount of energy used and greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere.

The Modular Benefit. As we’ve already hinted, modular construction is a much more sustainable process compared to conventional building processes. Because your structure is completed in a controlled environment, our team can be more precise in reducing material waste throughout the project.

If there is extra material once your building is complete, our modular experts store and recycle these pieces for another structure in the future. Compared to traditional, on-site construction where tons of garbage is generated, modular is an obvious sustainable solution.

On top of the assembly process, our team can implement other energy-efficient structural elements in the interior of your modular building. This could include LED lighting, programmable thermostats, upgraded roof insulation, and triple-glazed windows.

Successfully Operating in a Remote Location

A majority of utility companies are working in remote locations which can make utility construction costly, time-consuming, and hard to manage. These hindrances can lead to outdated facilities or cramped working spaces.

There are times when the work you do leads you to a different, remote location. When a power outage occurs, it can be detrimental to your operations, so you want to make sure the issue is handled as swiftly as possible. There are times when your team may need to be adaptable and go into the field.

If this is the case, you can rely on a prefab building to be up and running sooner while still being durable and safe for your team. There are also scenarios where used modular offices work best because they provide your company with the most efficient timeline.

The work you do in your utility plant should be the main priority. Modular construction can help you focus on your business’s goals rather than facility improvements and expansions.

The Modular Benefit. If your power plant or utility site isn’t ideal for new renovations or construction, our team can directly transport a ready-to-use module to you. Not only is this optimal for more remote environments but it means your operations can continue throughout the entire construction process.

Prefab facilities are also easily adaptable and transferable. So, if there comes a time when you need to move locations, your modular office can come with you with ease. If your company needs something temporary, modular buildings are a great choice for flexibility and financial stability.

Ensuring Versatility and Customizations

As we previously mentioned, utility companies and power plants come with a wide range of needs. With traditional construction, it can be difficult to balance the needs of your structure, stay within budget, and meet time constraints.

Rather than compromising your priorities and risking further maintenance in the future, you can choose modular construction to include all your structural elements and stay within your budget and timeline.

The Modular Benefit. Our modular experts will listen to your needs and structural requirements early on in the process so there are fewer road bumps along the way. This means that we can better manage your project to ensure timelines are met and budgets are not overdrawn.

A distinct benefit of modular is the building’s adaptability. Below, we’ll list some areas you can use prefab facilities within your organization. However, it’s normal for the needs of your business to change, and if that happens, modules can be easily transformed to match that need.

Administrative Offices
Break Rooms / Cafeterias
Control Rooms
Employee Housing and Gyms
Laboratories
Locker Rooms
Project Management Offices
Restrooms
Security Offices
Substation Offices
Training Facilities

Not seeing the building you’re looking for? Our experts are happy to work with you to create a custom structure.

Keeping New Projects Within Budget

As a major contributor to your community’s power and electricity, your priorities may not be focused on building renovations and expansions. Instead, you are likely focused on the costs of new generators, and operational parts like boilers, towers, and turbines. These additions are not cheap and can vary depending on the type of power plant you operate.

The quality of your infrastructure may not be top of mind because it’s a costly and time-consuming endeavor. However, modular construction for utility companies is agile, durable, and cost-effective. Especially when compared to other building materials.

The Modular Benefit. There are lower capital and operating costs associated with modular, allowing you to delay future capital expenses until they are absolutely necessary.

And just like most industries, time is money when it comes to generating power. The sooner you’re able to get a structure up and running, the faster you can start making a profit.

Holyoke Gas & Electric: Modular Buildings in Action

Now that we’ve outlined the major issues in the utility industry and how modular construction can benefit you, let’s dive into a specific example.

The BOXX Modular team provided a 1,250-square-foot structure to Holyoke Gas & Electric in Holyoke, Massachusetts. This was a custom-built facility that was used as a welcoming center and learning environment for the plant’s visitors and staff.

The center highlights the importance of the hydroelectric dam and educates the community on why the dam exists and the problems it’s solving. The plant typically sees 10,000 people annually to learn about the dam and see a fish lift in person.

The building itself included

Underground utility runs.
Concrete ramps with aluminum handrails.
Custom awnings.
Specialized layout with customized interior and exterior finishes.

Take advantage of the adaptability of modular construction for utility companies by using it as a swing space as you complete larger renovations or invest in a permanent modular structure for long-term stability.