Burns & McDonnell Blog

Fit for Purpose: Matching the Tool to the Task

mwagner@burnsmcd.com (Mike Wagner) — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 14:33:03 GMT

When projects tighten up, the default response can be to go bigger. Add more people. Push a harder schedule. Layer on more process. Pull in a larger tool, system or delivery model and hope scale solves the problem.

A Smarter Delivery Model for Utility Communications Infrastructure

jhoward@burnsmcd.com (Jarad C. Howard) — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:03 GMT

Numerous trends have come together to push more intelligence to the edge of the power system, including distributed energy resources, electrification, grid modernization and reliability expectations. As utilities are connecting more field assets, transmission and distribution grids are moving away from one-way power delivery and periodic monitoring and toward a more dynamic network that requires real-time visibility, control and coordination. Communications networks are a core part of how utilities monitor, control and coordinate critical infrastructure in real time.

Many utilities already see long-term value in private LTE. As more utilities select private LTE as part of their comprehensive utility communications strategy, the question has shifted to execution. This has become an important strategic decision point, as the complexity of deployment is fundamentally different than traditional utility communications systems and is still tied directly to critical infrastructure reliability.

Implementation and the Operational Realities of Grid Modernization

jaestel@burnsmcd.com (Jason Estel) — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:05:17 GMT

The push to modernize the nation’s power grid has created a complex marketplace. Faced with the limitations of aging infrastructure and the promise of a smarter grid, many utilities are navigating a landscape in which technology providers are increasingly specializing in their core competencies. Such a landscape presents an opportunity for utilities to build a comprehensive partnership strategy, one that addresses the full scope of a modernization project, from initial concept to long-term operational success.

The shift toward specialization is a natural progression. While the software development process is a tried and true, repeatable solution, implementation must consider the nuances specific to each utility’s systems, grid architecture and operational processes, and therefore must be performed by teams that understand those real-world considerations. It brings to light the distinct roles of a software developer versus a strategic implementation partner. A vendor’s experience lies with its software, and its focus is on data and system performance. An implementation partner’s focus is on the real-world application of that system within a utility’s unique operational environment. Recognizing this distinction is crucial, as a modernization program is much more than a single project. The software is just one piece of the solution; it must work in a way that complements the existing business and, ultimately, elevates it.

A single decision made in an implementation silo can trigger a cascade of unforeseen business consequences. This can lead to a scenario in which a new system, while functioning exactly as designed, conflicts with established business processes. Thereby creating an operational disconnect as the technology and the team’s workflow are not fully aligned, requiring unforeseen adjustments and creating inefficiencies.

Why Multiday Storage Could Be the Next Frontier for Grid Reliability

pscrogginwicker@burnsmcd.com (Tisha Scroggin-Wicker, PE) — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:37:23 GMT

The pressures of integrating renewable energy sources and powering the exponential increase in high-demand data centers are testing the limits of traditional power systems. While short-duration lithium-ion batteries have been instrumental in managing daily energy fluctuations, other technologies may become a part of the solution.

For true grid resilience, especially during extended periods of low wind or sun, a new class of technology is emerging: multiday storage (MDS). These systems are designed to deliver power for days, not hours, providing the reliability that utilities and data center operators need to confidently navigate current power demands.

The Proposed 2026 Texas MSGP Renewal Drives Early Compliance Planning

mtaylor3@burnsmcd.com (Madison Taylor) — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:47:57 GMT

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has proposed updates to the Multi-Sector General Permit (MSGP) TXR050000, which will be reissued this summer. These changes will impact facilities with existing MSGP coverage and new facilities that must obtain coverage. Early evaluation and planning are essential to maintaining compliance when the proposed updates take effect on August 14, 2026.

Tuck Program Aligns Success for Strategic Partners

webmaster@burnsmcd.com (The Burns & McDonnell Team) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:10:56 GMT

Project success in engineering and construction often builds upon alignment — across teams, goals and the partners who help bring complex projects to life.

Partnership in Practice: Making a Difference in the Details

webmaster@burnsmcd.com (The Burns & McDonnell Team) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:07:13 GMT

Four years ago, Natalie Horyna stepped into a value engineering workshop with a new title and a clear sense of uncertainty. She had recently moved from design into project management within the Aviation & Federal Group of Burns & McDonnell, and the role was still taking shape.

Ready, Set, Innovate: Planning for Change Builds Strategic Success

webmaster@burnsmcd.com (The Burns & McDonnell Team) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:59:15 GMT

In a business environment characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity — ranging from hurricane-force financial winds to persistent voids of information — supplier readiness is key to sustaining success.

Colorado’s New Dredge and Fill Program Reshapes Project Implementation

acaine@burnsmcd.com (Angie Caine) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 20:15:43 GMT

The Colorado Water Quality Control Commission recently approved Regulation 87, establishing a new state-level dredge and fill permitting program for projects throughout Colorado. This change introduces new permitting requirements that project teams must account for, especially as projects move from design into construction.

Proactively Managing Arc-Flash Risks in Mining

ularvayo@burnsmcd.com (Ulises L. Arvayo) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:02 GMT

An arc flash is one of the most severe and dangerous incidents that can occur in an electrical system. This explosive event — a rapid release of enormous energy caused by a short circuit rapidly expanding through air — can produce temperatures reaching 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, multiples hotter than the surface of the sun, and vaporize the equipment’s copper bus. The blast also creates a powerful pressure wave, further presenting a significant physical danger to anyone in the vicinity.

For mine operators, safety managers and engineers, understanding and mitigating arc-flash risk is not just a matter of compliance; it's a critical component of protecting people and assets. The impacts of an arc-flash event are twofold: devastating personal injuries and significant financial consequences.