Project Overview

Design Electric partnered with DPR Construction to deliver the electrical scope for the new Fontaine Energy Plant, a facility which provides geothermally generated energy distribution.

Challenges & Collaboration

The project’s underground electrical work required a substantial volume of conduit installation, and conditions on site were rarely simple. Mud and groundwater intrusion were constant, requiring daily pumping before crews could safely begin work. Tools wore down quickly due to continual exposure to wet earth, and the tight sequencing left no room for delays, each step relied on the previous one being completed with accuracy and consistency. Despite these obstacles, our team kept the project moving by staying adaptable and prepared. When tools deteriorated sooner than expected, replacements were brought to site immediately so field crews could stay productive and on schedule. Thanks to their experience and attention to detail, the entire under‑slab scope was completed without needing rework.

Innovative Approaches

Planning and innovation began well before construction. Our preconstruction team spent more than a year developing detailed slab drawings, turning the underground system into clearly defined, buildable segments. By modeling conduit layouts to interlock like a jigsaw puzzle, the field team could work efficiently and coordinate major steps across trades. Once on site, they translated that planning into steady progress through clear communication and consistent coordination.

General Contractor Collaboration

As the project advanced, trust developed quickly. DPR saw our commitment to meeting critical milestones, and the ongoing communication between our on‑site leaders, project management team, and the construction manager helped keep work aligned and issues resolved quickly.

Supplier Support

Reliable supplier partnerships played a major role in the project’s success. Our gear and lighting supplier delivered materials on time, offered storage support, and responded quickly when conditions shifted. Our day‑to‑day materials supplier kept essential items coming reliably, ensuring crews were never waiting on materials.

Trade Partner Coordination

We collaborated closely with trusted specialty partners across fire alarm, lightning protection, equipment movement, and testing services, many of them long‑standing relationships built on years of teamwork.

Results

Even with persistent mud, tight sequencing, and a demanding underground scope, Design Electric delivered the electrical package with the quality, coordination, and reliability our partners count on.

Fontaine Central Energy & Utility Plant

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General Contractor

Timeline