DC PLUG Utility Design | Power Line Undergrounding for Grid Resilience
The District of Columbia Power Line Undergrounding (DC PLUG) program is a joint initiative between the District Government and Pepco to improve electrical grid resilience by relocating overhead distribution lines underground across multiple wards, including underserved and storm-vulnerable areas like Ward 8. The program’s goal is to reduce storm-related outages and enhance long-term power reliability in Washington, DC.
Precision Systems, Inc. (PSI) supported the program with comprehensive utility engineering and civil design services. PSI’s team conducted detailed field surveys to document existing utility infrastructure—water, sewer, gas, communications—and Pepco’s above-ground and underground assets. Surveys also captured right-of-way elements, sidewalks, parking lanes, trees, and site-specific constraints within busy urban corridors.
Using this data, PSI developed precise civil designs to integrate new underground electrical infrastructure while navigating complex urban environments. Final construction documents included plan and profile drawings, conduit configurations, structure tables, and conduit schedules, ensuring accuracy and constructability.
By aligning utility design with real-world field conditions, PSI helped advance the District’s vision for a modern, resilient, and future-ready power distribution network.
