Bringing Transmission and Distribution Together Under One Roof
When a major Western U.S. electric utility set out to build its new Operations Center, the goal extended far beyond replacing an existing control room. The new facility would, for the first time, bring transmission and distribution operations together under one roof, creating a centralized environment where operators, technology, and information could work together more effectively.
Recognizing the complexity of the project, the utility engaged Evans early in the planning process. What began in 2020 as a consulting engagement evolved into a multi-year partnership spanning architectural design, technology planning, project management, custom control room solutions, and final installation.
The result is an 85,000-square-foot Operations Center, featuring a 22,000-square-foot control room designed to support the utility's operations today while providing the flexibility to adapt for decades to come.
Building the Foundation
The most important work happened before the first drawing was produced.
Working alongside operators, IT, facilities teams, and leadership, Evans studied how the organization operated, how information moved across the control room, and where opportunities existed to improve workflows. Site visits across multiple operating locations, combined with technology evaluations and operator interviews, helped establish a clear vision for the new facility.
Those insights became the foundation for a complete Design Intent package that extended well beyond the control room itself. Conference rooms, simulator and training spaces, operator amenities, breakout areas, acoustic glass walls, and collaborative workspaces were all designed as part of one connected operational environment rather than individual spaces.
Technology That Supports Operations
Technology decisions would shape the facility for years to come, so every recommendation was carefully evaluated before installation began.
Evans worked with project stakeholders to assess visualization platforms, content management systems, AV technologies, and display strategies through comparison studies and proof-of-concept demonstrations. This collaborative approach ensured each solution aligned with operational requirements while providing flexibility for future growth.
The completed facility features integrated operator displays, large-format video walls, and technology infrastructure that gives transmission and distribution teams immediate access to the information they need to monitor, communicate, and respond with confidence.
Designed for the People Behind the Grid
Every workspace was designed to support the operators using it every day.
Custom Response NEXTGen™ consoles combine ergonomic design with integrated monitor mounting, cable management, environmental controls, and power distribution to create clean, organized workstations built for continuous operation. Custom technology tables extend the same functionality into conference and command spaces, supporting collaboration without sacrificing flexibility.
Behind the scenes, full-scale floor templates allowed contractors to precisely coordinate electrical services, data pathways, and workstation locations before installation began. It's a detail few people notice, but one that helped ensure a smooth installation and a finished control room built exactly as intended.
One Partner. One Integrated Solution.
The finished Operations Center is more than a new building. It is a purpose-built environment where transmission and distribution teams work side by side, supported by thoughtfully designed spaces, integrated technology, and operator-focused workstations.
From early consulting and architectural design through technology planning, manufacturing, and final installation, Evans remained involved at every stage of the project. That continuity helped ensure every decision supported the same goal: creating an operations center where people, technology, and the built environment work together seamlessly.
The result is a facility designed not only for the demands of today, but for the future of utility operations.
Planning a Utility Operations Center?
Whether you're planning a new operations center, modernizing an existing control room, or exploring future improvements, Evans can help you create a solution tailored to your operators, technology, and long-term operational goals.
Connect with Paul Reigner, Vertical Sales Manager – Utilities, to learn how Evans helps utilities plan, design, and deliver mission-critical operations centers.
