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Actalent · American Electric PowerEngineering

SCADA & Fiber Network Modernization

SCADA enhancement and fiber connectivity across a 500-mile AEP service area — 30% reliability improvement, 15% downtime reduction.

Overview

As Telecommunication Planning Engineer at Actalent Engineering Services (Ohio, Jan 2022–Feb 2024), led SCADA network enhancement and fiber connectivity design for American Electric Power across a 500-mile service area.

Problem Statement

Legacy SCADA links and inconsistent fiber connectivity were driving operational risk and monitoring gaps across a multi-state utility footprint.

Constraints & Stakeholders

Constraints
  • ▸Multi-jurisdiction utility footprint
  • ▸Field coordination across contractors
  • ▸Legacy infrastructure constraints
Stakeholders
  • ▸AEP Transmission & Telecom
  • ▸Field Engineering
  • ▸Contractors
  • ▸Actalent PMO

Approach & Methodology

  1. 1Led SCADA network enhancement initiatives to improve infrastructure reliability and operational efficiency
  2. 2Designed fiber connectivity solutions and optimized telecom network layouts across a 500-mile service area
  3. 3Conducted site surveys, built telecom engineering models, and coordinated with field teams on implementation
  4. 4Drove proactive network planning that reduced operational downtime

Timeline

Design
Site surveys and telecom engineering models
Build
Fiber and SCADA connectivity rollout
Sustain
Reliability tuning and operational handoff

Deliverables

  • Telecom design packages
  • Site survey reports
  • Network optimization plans

KPIs & Results

30%
Reliability improvement
15%
Downtime reduction
500 miles
Service area

Lessons Learned

  • ▸Field-verified designs beat desk-verified designs — every time.
  • ▸Utility networks reward proactive planning; they punish reactive fixes.
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