Extended Electrical-Service Equipment Lead Times
By Ashley McDuffee, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Project Engineer
At numerous projects over the past year, GTG has observed and monitored extraordinarily long lead times for electrical-service equipment, such as switchgear, metering materials, and transformers, which have significantly impacted critical-path schedules. Switchgear lead times of 50 to 80 weeks have been reported, which might result in substantial project delays if not identified, accounted for, and tracked, both prior to and during construction. In general, these extended lead times, often coupled with price escalations, are linked to supply-chain issues caused by rising demand and material and labor shortages associated with impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and other global factors.
With extended lead times now becoming the industry norm, potentially exceeding contract durations, it is more critical than ever to prioritize electrical-design submittals, approvals, and equipment release dates during preconstruction and early construction phases. Proactive planning for these extended lead times could help to avoid delays in establishing permanent power to buildings and, ultimately, substantial completion.
To help manage this significant risk, GTG addresses this issue in our preconstruction document reviews. We generally recommend that project teams provide documentation of anticipated lead times for project-specific electrical-service equipment and incorporate those lead times into the proposed project schedule accordingly. In reviewing proposed project schedules, we look for them to specifically include key electrical-service milestones, such as design submittal, design approval, equipment release, anticipated lead times, and building-energization dates, so that they can be tracked and updated as applicable through the course of construction. We also request information regarding the manufacturing location, as this factor might significantly affect the timeliness of shipping to the project site.
In addition, GTG has incorporated electrical-service status updates into our standard construction-observation reporting; we regularly request and report status updates on electrical‑service milestones, including whether any delays in equipment supply or connection are currently anticipated. We also routinely report on material procurement and delivery delays, cost escalations, and potential impacts to the project and overall budget and construction schedule.
With this expanded scope of service, we aim to assist our clients in navigating, managing, and mitigating these evolving risks.
Project Highlights
Kokua Apartments
Located in downtown Honolulu, this 20-story tower contains 224 units of senior apartments. It will provide a mix of micro-studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units, as well as parking at Levels 1 through 5 of the tower. The project anticipates substantial completion in fall 2023. GTG is providing pre-construction review and construction monitoring services for the project on behalf of the equity investor and construction lender.
1064 Mission
Located in downtown San Francisco, 1064 Mission provides supportive housing for formerly chronically homeless adults and seniors. The mixed-use building provides 258 dwelling units, with a mix of senior and adult units. Additionally, the building provides designated spaces for a culinary-arts program dedicated to students currently experiencing, or who have recently experienced, homelessness; an urgent‑care clinic; and the new headquarters of the San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team. The project achieved substantial completion in fall 2022. GTG provided pre-construction review and construction monitoring services for the project on behalf of the equity investor and construction lender.
Sun Prairie Senior
Situated in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the project provides senior housing in 100 dwelling units contained in a 4-story building. The project achieved substantial completion in December 2022. GTG provided pre-construction review and construction monitoring services for the project on behalf of the equity investor and construction lender.
Genesee Health Center
The project entailed construction of a 2-story children’s and family health center on a 2.69-acre lot in Flint, Michigan. The building houses an autism treatment center, outpatient health center, Child and Family Services offices, a neurodevelopment center, and conferencing space, as well as program spaces and a 2-story entrance lobby. The project achieved substantial completion in fall 2022. GTG provided pre-construction review and construction monitoring services for the project on behalf of the equity investor and construction lender.
New Faces, New Places
Since 2022, GTG is pleased to welcome the following employees to our staff:
In early 2022, GTG welcomed Lee Cooper, RA, NCARB as a Senior Project Architect. Lee obtained his Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University, and he brings over 20 years of experience to the role. As a licensed architect, Lee has worked with an expansive array of projects, with a significant amount of time in the field during the construction administration phase. He hopes to continue this varied work at GTG, with a personal interest in multi-family housing and adaptive‑reuse projects.
GTG is pleased to welcome Daniel Seo, AIA, NCARB to our professional team as a Project Architect. Daniel earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California School of Architecture in 2015. Before joining GTG, Daniel worked as a designer and project manager for 7 years and has designed and managed several single-family, multi-family, and commercial projects in Southern California. Daniel attained licensure in California as an architect shortly before joining GTG. As a new member of our team, he is excited to take on projects from a different perspective and is eager to gain experience in the field.
We are also delighted to welcome Matt Namy, SE to the GTG team as a Senior Project Engineer. Matt holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Tulane University and attended Polytechnique Montreal to earn his Master of Science in Structural Engineering. As a licensed civil and structural engineer in the State of California, Matt brings ample experience to his new role and is looking forward to developing a broader understanding of and expertise in building design with GTG.
GTG also welcomes Norah O’Malley and Alex Espinosa to our editorial team. Norah earned her BA at DePaul University in English. Alex earned their BA at University of New Mexico in English and Chicana/o Studies.
Finally, GTG is excited to announce that Project Architect John Poitras, AIA, NCARB is now based in Honolulu, and will split his time covering our growing portfolio of projects in Hawaii and continuing to manage projects in the mainland Southwest.
Offices and Current Projects
