University Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) Substation

Location: Florida

Areas of Expertise: Substation

Hooper’s Electric Power Division recently completed a major substation project in Coral Gables, Florida, in partnership with Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Siemens Energy Inc. The successful delivery of this complex project highlights Hooper’s capabilities and positions the company as a trusted contractor for future GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) projects.

The project was completed in two phases. Phase One involved preparing the staging warehouse, inspecting components, assembling modules, and performing pre-installation wiring, testing, and gas work in close coordination with Siemens. Given the smaller-than-usual substation building, the team collaborated on creative solutions to accommodate all components without compromising performance.

In Phase Two, Hooper crews installed and commissioned the 69kV GIS units. This included safely transporting and securing each unit, aligning and leveling circuit breakers, modifying steel structures, installing cable trays, grounding components, performing gas work and leak detection, and completing all wiring and testing for GIS, GDM, and camera systems.

The project presented several challenges, including the constrained space and a tight timeline, which required overtime and seamless coordination with multiple contractors on-site. Strong communication, Siemens’ support, and Hooper’s adaptability enabled real-time problem-solving and efficient execution.

Florida Power & Light’s adoption of GIS technology reflects a broader industry move toward compact, reliable, and low-maintenance infrastructure. GIS systems reduce land use, environmental impact, and energy losses while enhancing overall system efficiency.

The completion of this project demonstrates Hooper’s expertise in delivering innovative solutions under pressure and solidifies its reputation as a dependable partner in the evolving energy sector.