Southern California Edison (SCE; Rosemead, California, U.S.) has contracted Burns & McDonnell (Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.) to act as owner's agent on two major transmission projects that will bring much-needed power to Southern California by 2009.

The Devers-Palo Verde No. 2 (DVP2) project consists of 230 miles (370 km) of 500-kV transmission line running from west of Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., to just north of Palm Springs, California. Also part of this project is a 40-plus mile (64-plus km) section of 500-kV transmission line connecting SCE's Devers and Valley substations.

The Tehachapi projects consist of approximately 80 miles (129 km) of 220-kV and 500-kV transmission that will bring planned wind farm power from eastern Kern County to northern Los Angeles County to consumers. The Tehachapi projects will be completed in three segments and include construction of two substations and modification of others.

As owner's agent, Burns & McDonnell will prepare and manage several large EPC contracts for various segments and phases of the projects. Construction is expected to start in late 2007.