St. Louis – November 04, 2026 -- Public power utilities can replace piecemeal, emergency-driven facility spending with a four-to-six-month planning study that sizes space needs 20 to 30 years ahead, according to design-build firm Cooperative Building Solutions (CBS).
CBS says many utility operations centers and headquarters were built decades ago for smaller fleets and workforces. Trucks have grown larger, storm response is more demanding, and SCADA, AMI and fiber systems now require space, security and redundancy. Roof replacements and warehouse additions made one at a time can lock a utility into buildings that no longer fit its operations.
Three-part study covers condition, needs and options
The study starts with a physical condition assessment of every facility, including structure, roofing, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and site conditions. A needs assessment then converts staff interviews across line operations, fleet, engineering, member services and administration into space requirements for headcount, vehicles, equipment and materials storage.
A functional analysis compares renovating, expanding, consolidating, relocating or building new, with conceptual site plans and budget pricing for each option.
Boards gain a documented basis for phasing capital projects
CBS says the output gives general managers and boards an objective record to share with city councils, utility boards or ratepayers. Utilities can spread projects over several budget cycles rather than absorb one large unplanned expense. Multi-site utilities can evaluate their whole system at once.
The study also tests resilience through major storms and outages, separation of heavy vehicles from staff and the public, yard security, and whether modern facilities help recruit and retain skilled line workers.
Design-build link keeps budget tied to the original plan
CBS, which says it has served electric cooperatives, public power utilities and rural broadband providers in 40 states, argues that the team that defines the needs should carry them into design, pricing and construction. In its view, that shortens schedules and gives the utility a single point of accountability.