Vectren is a publicly owned utility that services 180,000 customers in southwestern Indiana. Vectren operates six coal-fired units at three plants and 5 combustion turbines for a combined gross generation of 1200 Megawatts.

PCI has worked closely with Vectren since November of 2002 to be the single point of interface between several vendors like GE, Honeywell and Industrial Contractors Inc. to make sure that their controls upgrade project at A.B. Brown Generating Station is implemented within budget and on schedule.

The decision to utilize PCI for E&I design and construction management, enhanced clear and unencumbered communications. Also, early involvement of all groups in that decision led to improved participation and a sense of cooperation.

This was further enhanced by the formation of an effective project team and early production staff involvement. Documentation was complete and accurate leading to a high quality installation. Safety was enhanced by advanced planning and organization.

Scope of work included boiler and turbine control, burner management system, scrubber, data acquisition system and miscellaneous auxiliary systems.

This project had many process improvement goals. The old boiler control system had become difficult to maintain, requiring nearly continual attention. The boiler control and burner management systems had reached the end of the service life. Replacement parts were nearly impossible to procure.

The upfront effort and cooperation between the parties has led to a spectacularly successful project. This team work has also led to a solid unencumbered communication flow between Vectren and PCI.