Delivering Reliability and Mondernization for Knoxville Utility Board

Project at a Glance

• Location: Knoxville, TN
• Client: Knoxville Utility Board (KUD)/DCSI
• Scope: Total pump house rebuild. New switchgear, VFD pumps, SCADA, diesel generator, and full conduit, wiring, and HVAC electrical replacement.

About the Project

Stansell Electric partnered with Knoxville Utility Board and DCSI to rebuild and modernize the Holston Hills Pump House located on River Place Drive in Knoxville, TN.

The scope included a complete replacement of the existing electrical infrastructure, new switchgear, VFD pumps, service entrance equipment, SCADA integration, and a new diesel generator in place of the original natural gas unit. The team also replaced all associated conduit, wiring, and HVAC electrical systems to ensure long-term reliability for this critical facility.

Key Features:

The Holston Hills Pump House rebuild included several standout elements:

• Complete electrical and mechanical overhaul
• Installation of a 19,000-lb diesel generator
• All conduit installed was aluminum, with stainless hardware for durability
• Integration of four VFD pumps and a new main motor control system
• Implementation of a full SCADA system for improved monitoring and control

Project Complexities and Our Approach

Like many infrastructure upgrades, this project came with a few moving parts, a tight labor market in East Tennessee, extended material lead times, and equipment that required on-site adjustments to meet specifications.

Stansell responded quickly. The Nashville office provided onsite leadership and a temporary crew to support the work until additional electricians became available. We coordinated schedule adjustments to account for material timing, and when equipment required modifications, we partnered directly with the vendor to bring technicians on site to address the issues without slowing progress.

Open communication, flexibility, and strong teamwork kept the project moving and ensured a successful outcome.

Community Impact:

The Holston Hills Pump House plays a vital role in Knoxville Utility Board’s water distribution network. This rebuild ensures:

• Increased reliability for residents and businesses
• More efficient system monitoring and operations
• Long-term dependability of an essential piece of infrastructure

By modernizing the facility, KUB can better meet the needs of the surrounding community for years to come.

Outcome:

Despite workforce shortages and material challenges, the Stansell team delivered a fully rebuilt and modernized pump house through strong field leadership, vendor coordination, and a commitment to doing the job safely.