Growing demand for grid reliability and infrastructure modernization is driving expanded engineering capacity across the U.S. power sector. STV has strengthened its utility power capabilities through the acquisition of Southern California-based CHAMPS, Inc., adding substation engineering and related technical services to its infrastructure portfolio.
The acquisition, announced Sept. 15, 2026, expands STV’s presence in utility power engineering and brings CHAMPS into the organization as CHAMPS, an STV Company.
CHAMPS provides engineering and design services for electric utility substations, covering work from conceptual planning through construction and energization. Its services include engineering studies, protection and control, automation, design packages, quality assurance and construction support.
The company has worked with utility clients including Southern California Edison. Its capabilities provide technical support across multiple stages of substation development, giving STV additional resources for utility infrastructure projects in California and other markets.
For owners and infrastructure stakeholders, the acquisition adds specialized engineering capacity in an area tied to grid upgrades, system reliability and the modernization of aging power infrastructure.
STV’s existing power practice covers both front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter infrastructure. Its capabilities include utility-coordinated grid and substation improvements, transit traction power systems and power solutions for facilities and campuses.
The acquisition complements STV’s work on utility infrastructure while adding CHAMPS’ specialized substation engineering experience. STV has also delivered power-related projects involving Con Edison substation upgrades in New York City, TriMet traction power substations in Portland and traction power improvements for Bay Area Rapid Transit.
The broader portfolio also includes power replacement services supporting mission-critical operations at Fairfax County’s Operations Center in Virginia.
The transaction also aligns with STV’s broader infrastructure activity across the Western U.S. The company provides engineering, planning, design, program management and construction management services for transportation and other infrastructure programs.
Recent Western projects include work associated with Sound Transit’s East Link and Northgate Link extensions, Los Angeles Metro’s zero-emissions bus program and Purple Line Extension, as well as aviation infrastructure at Los Angeles International Airport.
STV said the combined capabilities are intended to support clients addressing increasing requirements for reliable and resilient power infrastructure.
The acquisition gives STV additional specialized expertise in utility substation engineering while expanding the resources available for power infrastructure planning, design and construction support.
For utilities, developers and infrastructure owners, engineering capacity across substation design, protection and control, automation and construction support can be important as power systems undergo modernization and expansion.
The transaction also illustrates continued consolidation within infrastructure professional services, with established engineering organizations adding specialized technical teams to broaden their capabilities in targeted markets.
Source: STV.
