National Microgrid Provider – Fiber Optic Terminations and Testing

NCS was selected by a leading national microgrid provider to perform all fiber optic terminations and testing at a newly constructed microgrid site in remote Texas. The project demanded precision, strict safety compliance, and consistent coordination across multiple active construction teams — all under an aggressive deployment schedule. NCS delivered on every front.

About the Client

The client is a leading provider of modular natural gas microgrids, helping large power users bring new capacity online quickly. Their technology offers a scalable, fast-deploy alternative to long utility lead times while supporting significant emissions reductions. Operating across major U.S. markets, the client’s systems support more than one gigawatt of power — and that infrastructure depends entirely on reliable communication networks to function.

Project Background: Why NCS Was Selected

The client discovered NCS through our website and reached out during the early estimating phase. From that first point of contact, NCS demonstrated the responsiveness, technical credibility, and professionalism that the client needed. NCS was ultimately awarded the project based on:

• Fast response during the estimating phase — the client needed a partner who could move at their pace from day one
• Commitment to aggressive schedule requirements — deployment milestones left no room for delays
• Competitive pricing — delivering value without compromising quality
• Strong company profile and references — a proven track record in structured cabling and fiber infrastructure
• Consistent communication and follow-through — the reliability that complex, multi-team jobsites demand

This early engagement built the foundation of trust that carried through the entire project.

Scope of Work

While fiber cabling was installed by others, NCS was responsible for all fiber terminations, hardware installation, and certified testing. The scope included:

Fiber Terminations and Fusion Splicing

NCS completed more than 800 fusion splices across the site’s VGLAN and JBLAN networks. These connections linked all critical microgrid components, including:

• Main Distribution Frame (MDF)
• FDP-1 and FDP-2
• Switchgear A through D
• Gas Urea Yard
• Gensets 01–20

Every splice was executed with the precision required for long-term, uninterrupted communication across the microgrid’s operational systems.

Hardware Installation

NCS installed CommScope EPX and WBE fiber housings and splice cassettes throughout multiple locations across the site. The result is a clean, organized, and scalable fiber infrastructure — one that is built to support future expansion as the client grows its microgrid footprint.

Testing and Documentation

Accurate testing and complete documentation were critical deliverables for project closeout and long-term operational readiness. NCS performed:

• Tier 1 and Tier 2 bidirectional testing
• OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) and OLTS (Optical Loss Test Set) testing on 49 fiber optic cables
• Complete electronic test reports delivered to the client for closeout and commissioning

Project Challenges

Remote construction sites introduce coordination complexity that requires experienced teams to navigate effectively. This project was no exception. Key challenges included:

• A fast-paced schedule driven by the client’s deployment milestones, with little tolerance for delays
• Strict safety protocols, including daily Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and permit-to-work processes required on-site
• Continuous coordination with electrical contractors to secure pathways and site access as construction progressed
• Multiple trades working simultaneously in an active new construction environment

Despite these conditions, NCS maintained consistent progress throughout the engagement and completed the full fiber scope on schedule.

Results

NCS delivered a complete, certified fiber optic infrastructure on time and to spec. The results speak directly to the client’s project goals:

• All fiber terminations and testing completed within the client’s required schedule
• Reliable fiber connectivity established across all critical microgrid components
• Clean, well-organized infrastructure that supports future site expansion
• Smooth, professional coordination with the client’s engineering and project management teams
• Clear, complete closeout documentation supporting commissioning and long-term monitoring

Client Collaboration

The client’s engineering team was a key contributor to the project’s success. Their clear communication, timely decision-making, and active daily field coordination created the conditions for NCS to execute efficiently. It’s the kind of client partnership that turns a challenging jobsite into a successful project.

Looking Forward

This project marks the beginning of an ongoing relationship. NCS is continuing its partnership with this client across several upcoming projects in Texas, Washington, and Georgia. Future phases will expand NCS’s role to include fiber installation in addition to terminations, allowing us to support the client even earlier in the construction process.