May 22, 2025
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Success
By: Del Belcher, Marketing Manager; Jacob Brigham, PMP, Associate Project Manager; Kyle A. Larj, PE, Electrical Engineer; Cody VanWyck, PE, PMP, Associate Director of Engineering—EPC Projects.
Editor: Anne Peterson, CF APMP, Associate Director for Proposals, Commonwealth Associates, Inc.
COMMONWEALTH ASSOCIATES, INC., a premier power engineering firm, is making strides in helping owners advance their data center projects. On the power engineering, design and consulting side of projects for utilities and EPC customers, transitioning into a role of Owner’s Representative (OR) for data center customers demonstrates the firm’s adaptability and ability to translate staff’s technical expertise into a new niche market. The story of Commonwealth’s journey highlights strategies, milestones and prospects entering the data center industry.
RECOGNIZING THE OPPORTUNITY
Commonwealth made a calculated decision to leverage its technical expertise and project management capabilities as it entered the data center domain, with a focus on the data center industry. The firm recognized the growing demand for data centers, driven by the exponential growth of digital data and the advent of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and expanded digitized cloud-based operations.
Data centers, which are the linchpins for these digital advancements, require robust infrastructure and meticulous project management. Project owners and developers often lack the technical expertise to meet these massive energy transmission and delivery needs, creating a demand for ORs to oversee certain aspects of data center projects. Commonwealth identified this need and began offering specialized services in this sector.
Commonwealth’s initial forays into data center projects involved leveraging existing relationships with key stakeholders. Early projects with clients, both Utility and EPC, allowed Commonwealth to gain a foothold. The firm meticulously planned each step, ensuring that they met the specific requirements and challenges unique to data center projects. This involved deep dives into understanding the complexities of data center operations, including cooling systems, power distribution and security protocols. Commonwealth’s commitment to excellence and continuous improvement enabled them to adapt to the fast-evolving nature of data center technology, setting them apart as a trusted partner in this burgeoning industry.
THE UNIQUE NATURE OF DATA CENTERS
The addition of meticulously managing data center projects as an OR necessitated strategic thinking, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to various situations that may arise. The role of OR is a unique, multifaceted opportunity to show organizational capabilities and demonstrate exceptional project management skills.
The added role of helping to manage multiple stakeholders for data center projects as an OR necessitated strategic thinking, flexibility and a willingness to adapt to various situations. The role of OR is a unique, multifaceted opportunity to demonstrate organizational capabilities.
Disciplines—Data center projects encompass various disciplines, including electrical engineering, civil engineering, power system studies, transmission line design and site preparation. Commonwealth, already well-regarded in the industry for each of these services, had to develop a comprehensive understanding of how these fields worked together in a data center OR context to ensure seamless project execution.
Coordination—Data center projects require fast-paced coordination with numerous stakeholders, including utility companies, permitting authorities, landowners, general contractors and subcontractors. Effective communication and collaboration with these various parties, on behalf of the project owner, were crucial to addressing potential blockers and ensuring the successful and timely completion of the project with minimal disruptions. Additionally, close monitoring of project timelines and constant updates to all involved parties were essential to maintaining the project’s momentum and meeting critical deadlines.
Engagement—Commonwealth staff understand that data center projects often involve tight deadlines and strict adherence to schedules, with significant financial penalties for delays. Early engagement with experts helps owners identify and procure necessary resources, especially considering long lead times and intense competition for materials and labor. This approach helps prevent procurement bottlenecks and ensures the timely progression of projects.
Reliability—Redundancy and reliability are critical aspects of data center design. Ensuring that no single component failure disrupts operations requires meticulous planning, extensive coordination and detailed contingency measures. Commonwealth had to put in place N-1 or N+1 redundancy systems, involving not only backup components but also proactive planning to maintain operational continuity and minimize risks. This approach ensures that every component has a backup, thus safeguarding the system against potential failures.
STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS
Several strategic initiatives emerged to address data center project challenges and help Commonwealth successfully transition into data center operations as an OR, ensuring all aspects of the projects were meticulously planned, executed and monitored. These initiatives included comprehensive risk assessments, stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement practices, which collectively contributed to seamless project delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Relationship—Commonwealth achieved effective coordination with many stakeholders through clear communication channels and regular updates. By drawing on existing relationships and diligently building new connections with utility companies, permitting authorities, landowners and contractors, Commonwealth has successfully helped its customers address potential issues early in the project lifecycle. This initiative-taking approach has proven essential in facilitating the smooth and timely execution of complex data center projects.
Agility—Adopting agile project management methodologies to embrace the fast-paced nature of data center projects allows Commonwealth to adjust to new needs and solve problems as they arise. Regular progress reviews and iterative planning ensure that projects stay on track despite the complexities involved. By maintaining flexibility and being responsive to changing project demands, Commonwealth can efficiently manage resources and timelines, delivering higher quality outcomes for their clients.
Priority—Coordination with other stakeholders to share a common schedule has enabled Commonwealth to address procurement challenges early in each project phase. This proactive approach allowed for the accurate identification and ordering of necessary materials and equipment, which in turn prevented any potential procurement bottlenecks. Moreover, Commonwealth has consistently prioritized securing construction resources, including both labor and materials, ensuring that all projects progress in a timely and efficient manner.
KEY MILESTONES
Partnership—One significant milestone was securing a few initial major clients. These partnerships provided Commonwealth with the opportunity to show its expertise and build a stellar reputation in the data center industry. Working on high-profile projects for these clients helped establish Commonwealth as a leader and trusted partner in the highly competitive market, paving the way for future successes and growth.
Positioning—Completing several data center projects, Commonwealth proved its ability to manage complex and challenging environments. These projects involved designing and constructing substations, overseeing testing, commissioning processes, and ensuring the on-time energization of the data centers. Each successful project further solidified Commonwealth’s position in the industry, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to innovation, quality and client satisfaction.
Credibility—Data centers are growing. They often need on-site power generation and battery storage to ensure reliable electricity. Commonwealth’s expertise in these areas enhances its credibility as an OR. By offering comprehensive solutions that ensure seamless operations during power outages or fluctuations, it provides essential support to meet the growing demands of modern data infrastructure. Its innovative approaches to energy management improve reliability and contribute to sustainability efforts within the industry.
Commonwealth’s commitment to excellence and its ability to deliver successful projects earned it a strong reputation as an OR. Clients and industry peers alike recognized and respected its technical expertise, effective project management and proactive approach to stakeholder coordination. This reputation was built on a foundation of trust, reliability and consistent delivery of high-quality results. Additionally, Commonwealth’s dedication to continuous improvement and adapting to emerging technologies has positioned it as a forward-thinking leader in the data center sector. By staying abreast of the latest advancements and anticipating future trends, Commonwealth ensures that it can meet the evolving needs of its clients and continue to drive progress within the industry.
EMBRACING FUTURE PROSPECTS IN THE DATA CENTER INDUSTRY
The future of the data center industry holds immense potential, driven by the continuous growth of digital data and the increasing demand for AI and ML capabilities. As demand escalates, a critical challenge continues to be power generation and capacity. Adopting onsite power generation and storage technologies such as battery storage, fuel cells and combined cycle gas turbines enhances reliability and scalability, while reducing grid dependency. As Commonwealth embraces these technologies, its expertise in energy management becomes even more vital, ensuring seamless operations and contributing to data center reliability and resiliency efforts within the industry.
Commonwealth is well-positioned to capitalize on these opportunities and continue its remarkable success in this sector. By focusing on emerging trends and technological advancements, Commonwealth can provide innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its clients, extending its impact even beyond its role as an OR.
Commonwealth strives for excellence in the data center industry through high standards, reliability and customer satisfaction. Its role as an OR highlights its adaptability and technical expertise. Poised for ongoing success in the sector, Commonwealth continues to emphasize the importance of improvement, innovation and building strong relationships.
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