Sargent & Lundy provides proven consulting and planning services to utilities, energy companies, data center developers, government agencies, lenders, investors, and others involved in the energy, industrial, and infrastructure sectors. With deep expertise in technologies, economics, and real-world practicality, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to each client’s specific needs and objectives. Our decades of experience make us a trusted partner, delivering the technical capabilities and industry insights clients need to make key financial and strategic decisions.
We offer due diligence and independent engineering; generator and large-load interconnection studies and transmission planning; power supply planning; economic and financial planning and support; early-stage developer and owner’s engineering support; and strategic advisory services.
Due Diligence & Independent Engineering
We provide due diligence and independent engineering services for energy asset financings and investments, for lenders, investors, utilities, developers, asset…
We provide due diligence and independent engineering services for energy asset financings and investments, for lenders, investors, utilities, developers, asset owners, and prospective buyers. These services include equipment and performance reviews; commercial and technical contract reviews; environmental and permitting evaluations; liquidated damage terms reviews; financial model inputs evaluations; resource and energy yield assessments; and technical risk assessments. For projects in development, we assess engineering, procurement, and construction contract (EPC) technical terms, construction schedules, and development plans. For existing assets, we perform condition assessments and review operations and maintenance (O&M) practices.
Our independent and lender’s engineering services include construction monitoring, with site visits conducted throughout the construction period. During our visits, we assess project progress across key work areas, including permitting, engineering, procurement, and construction. We review aspects experiencing delays or potential economic or technical problems and assess project compliance with applicable environmental and social standards.
Our independent engineering services also extend into the O&M phase, including assessments that support contractual and financial obligations, such as loan payments and major maintenance reserve requirements.
Generator and Large-Load Interconnection & Transmission Planning
Rapidly changing dynamics in the electric grid, such as dramatic load growth, high renewable penetration, and aging conventional generators, present…
Rapidly changing dynamics in the electric grid, such as dramatic load growth, high renewable penetration, and aging conventional generators, present significant obstacles for project developers, utilities, and system operators as they plan for generator interconnection and long-term transmission expansion. We use our expertise in power system studies, transmission planning, and the generator interconnection process to help our clients navigate these challenges.
We perform a wide range of power system studies, including steady-state power flow and contingency analysis, reactive compensation studies, transient stability analysis, short circuit, harmonics, insulation coordination, subsynchronous resonance, and more. Our teams use industry-standard software tools such as PSS/E, TARA, PSCAD, PSLF, DIgSILENT, ASPEN, EMTP-RV, and ETAP. We have extensive experience using these tools to develop steady-state, transient, and dynamic facility models to interconnect thermal power, solar, battery energy storage, wind, and hybrid projects, facilitating submission to regional transmission organizations/independent system operators (RTO/ISO) and utilities.
Our typical generator interconnection, large-load interconnection, and transmission planning services for project developers, utilities, and system operators include:
- Transmission scouting to evaluate multiple generator or large-load interconnection options across wide areas.
- System impact studies for targeted interconnection points.
- Generator interconnection application support across RTO/ISO regions and utilities.
- Large-load interconnection application support for data centers and other large loads.
- Facility design optimization studies.
- Material modification or interconnection rights replacement studies.
- Power system studies for complex generation, load, and transmission projects such as offshore wind, data center projects, high-voltage direct current (HVDC), and SVC/STATCOM projects.
Power Supply Planning
We have proven experience helping utilities, system operators, independent power producers, renewable energy firms, hyperscalers, government agencies, and other electric…
We have proven experience helping utilities, system operators, independent power producers, renewable energy firms, hyperscalers, government agencies, and other electric industry organizations navigate complex, long-term planning questions. These questions can include where and when to develop future resources, what resources are best for specific scenarios, when to retire existing assets, and how project finances and long-term economic outlooks affect those choices.
Our wide range of project expertise sets us apart as a premier engineering and consulting firm in the energy industry. Our clients trust us to provide critical guidance that drives successful outcomes and positions them for long-term success.
Our long-term planning services include:
- Power supply strategies for data centers.
- Production cost modeling and market studies.
- Transmission and distribution (grid) planning.
- Cost and performance studies.
- System flexibility studies and high-renewable integration planning.
- Economic and financial studies.
- Decarbonization studies and analysis.
- Business case development and risk analysis.
- Advanced and emerging technology assessments.
- Resource adequacy analysis.
- Integrated resource planning.
- Power supply and power system planning.
- Carbon emissions modeling and scenario analysis.
Economic & Financial Planning and Support
Every successful project demands a steadfast focus on its underlying financial and economic aspects. Project implementation requires precise accounting for…
Every successful project demands a steadfast focus on its underlying financial and economic aspects. Project implementation requires precise accounting for key cost and revenue drivers, accurate economic and financial models, and sound technical knowledge. We have proven experience guiding clients through the economic and financial dimensions at all project implementation stages.
Our economics and financial services span a project’s life cycle, from existing financial model reviews and evaluations to the ground-up development of detailed pro forma scenarios capturing key technical and economic drivers.
We provide the following services:
- Discounted cash flow valuations.
- Competitive procurement support and bid evaluations.
- Preparation and review of pro forma financial models.
- Production cost modeling and market studies.
- Depreciation and replacement cost studies.
- Cost/benefit and performance evaluations.
- Operations and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates.
- Business case development and risk analysis.
- Project negotiation support.
- Integrated resource planning.
Early-Stage Developer Support and Owner’s Engineer
Our project development and owner’s engineering services provide the full range of support clients need to identify, evaluate, select, and…
Our project development and owner’s engineering services provide the full range of support clients need to identify, evaluate, select, and implement new power generation, electric grid infrastructure, and other energy projects. We support developers, owners, investors, and contractors to develop and implement projects across a spectrum of technologies.
Project Development Support
Our project development support includes activities and assessments required to select and finalize alternatives, support initial go/no-go decisions, and draft project development and planning documents. Our project development services include:
- Project feasibility evaluations.
- Site selection and environmental compliance reviews.
- Technology and major equipment selection.
- Optimization studies.
- Large-load power supply planning.
- Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) specification and bid reviews
- Contract negotiation assistance.
- Tariff and pro forma development.
- Constructability assessments.
- Due diligence reviews.
- Capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) cost estimates.
Owner’s Engineering Support – EPC Design Review and Implementation Support
Following the award of an EPC contract, we perform engineering design reviews and construction oversight on the owner’s behalf. We help evaluate whether EPC contractors have designed and constructed the facility in accordance with contract documents and industry standards. We monitor whether the work is being delivered in accordance with defined budget, schedule, and performance standards. Our common owner’s engineering services include:
- Reviewing major equipment procurement specifications.
- Conducting 30%, 60%, 90%, and issued for construction (IFC) engineering design package reviews and design review meetings.
- Evaluating quality assurance and quality control plans and documentation.
- Monitoring on-site construction and owner’s representative services.
- Supporting project controls.
- Supporting commissioning and performance testing.
Strategic Advisory Services
Our strategic advisory services help clients align technical, commercial, and regulatory decisions with long-term business objectives. We work with utilities,…
Our strategic advisory services help clients align technical, commercial, and regulatory decisions with long-term business objectives. We work with utilities, developers, lenders, investors, and public-sector entities to shape strategy around markets, portfolios, decarbonization, and major capital programs.
Strategic advisory services include:
- Management consulting advisory, and strategic planning for utilities, energy companies, government agencies, and investors.
- Rate case support, depreciation studies, and broader regulatory strategy development.
- Merger and acquisition (M&A) and divestment support, including portfolio strategy and transaction planning.
- Decarbonization planning, integrated resource planning, and market simulations and modeling to evaluate future scenarios and pathways.
- Business case development, feasibility studies, and risk allocation analysis for major capital investments and strategic initiatives.
- Asset management support and capital project planning and monitoring across the asset life cycle.
- Project management advisory to support large, multi-project portfolios and enterprise change initiatives.
These offerings complement our technical consulting, planning, and independent engineering services, giving clients an integrated view of both project- and portfolio-level decisions.
Asset Management Services
Our asset management professionals help utilities think and plan strategically. As a leader in the power industry, we bring deep…
Our asset management professionals help utilities think and plan strategically. As a leader in the power industry, we bring deep expertise in system design, equipment life cycles, and performance trends. We partner with clients to make informed infrastructure decisions that improve operational efficiency, reliability, sustainability, and resilience and position them as trusted leaders in their communities and with regulators and utility commissions.
Asset Management Plan Development
We provide comprehensive strategic asset management services that maximize asset value, align investments with organizational goals, and support long-term success. Our services include:
- Connecting enterprise and technical categorical asset management among stakeholders.
- Supporting strategic asset management plan (SAMP) development.
- Identifying and grouping asset classes.
- Assessing asset condition and criticality.
- Documenting existing programs and future initiatives.
- Helping define organizational goals and objectives.
- Engaging internal and external stakeholders.
- Supporting the development of communications strategies.
- Identifying investment priorities.
- Identifying value metrics, defining plan milestones, and developing tracking mechanisms.
- Supporting plan socialization across the organization.
- Developing continuous improvement processes.
- Supporting collaboration among utilities.
Risk Register Development
A robust risk register is central to effective project and asset risk management, enabling proactive threat identification, mitigation, and monitoring risks to reliability and performance. We have extensive experience identifying risk factors and developing strategies to address them. Our services include:
- Identifying threat types, risk drivers, and site-specific issues.
- Performing threat assessment walkdowns.
- Generating survivor curves using asset health data.
- Supporting mitigation strategy development.
- Establishing North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Generator Availability Data System (GADS) benchmarks.
ISO 55000 Alignment and Certification Support
ISO 55000 is an internationally recognized framework for asset management systems. We guide clients through ISO 55000 certification to improve performance and strengthen risk management. Our services include:
- Performing gap analyses, including mapping ISO 55000 requirements to existing programs.
- Supporting bridging gaps in asset management system plans, policies, and communications.
- Supporting remediation of nonconformances.
- Supporting surveillance and certification audits.
Rate Case Support
We provide comprehensive rate case support to help clients justify investments and clearly communicate value to regulators, customers, and other key stakeholders. Our services include:
- Identifying project selection criteria and execution limitations.
- Providing project scoping and cost estimating services.
- Developing custom, centralized databases to store plan documentation.
- Developing economic impact reports using IMPLAN economic analysis software.
- Preparing business case reports.
- Supporting investment justification and providing
testimony support.
Integrated Resources Planning Support
We offer integrated resource planning support to help clients successfully navigate today’s evolving energy landscape. Our approach covers full life-cycle resource planning and emphasizes flexibility, stakeholder collaboration, and rigorous technical and economic evaluation. Our services include:
- Preparing IRPs with flexible supply and demand forecasts.
- Developing near-, mid-, and long-term load forecasts.
- Modeling infrastructure expansion scenarios for various sensitivities.
- Assisting with resource adequacy evaluations.
- Working with stakeholders to determine preferred resource portfolios.
- Developing cost estimates for candidate portfolios to support plan selection.
- Supporting portfolio justification and articulation of benefits
Resiliency Planning and Vulnerability Assessments
Our resiliency planning services help clients address growing impacts from extreme weather, cyber threats, and physical security risks. We assess existing infrastructure against past events and future climate risks to identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical system-hardening strategies. We support clients from planning through implementation to achieve practical, long-term resiliency improvements. Our services include:
- Providing NERC critical infrastructure protection security assessments, including compliance support and documentation.
- Conducting threat and vulnerability assessments for critical assets and infrastructure.
- Performing asset assessments and ArcGIS-based mapping of historical and projected weather impacts.
- Developing mitigation plans and system-hardening strategies to improve resilience.
- Providing post-disaster asset assessments, mapping, and recovery planning support.
Additional Services
- Expert witness services and technical support for dispute resolution.
- Specification, contract, and negotiation support.
- Operational and condition assessments and plant audits.
- Cost and performance benchmarking.
- Certifications, testing, and inspections.
- Energy efficiency and demand-side services.
- Request for proposal (RFP) management and procurement support.
- Risk and hazard analysis.
- Decommissioning planning and cost estimates.
- Bankability assessments.
- Project management office (PMO) support.
