Abiding by local laws and regulations is essential when completing any project. This one went one step beyond, though. UTC was traversing rural communities with limited resources. Electricity had to be taken off-line for six-hour stretches each time a caravan of trucks moved through one of the towns. It was a hard sell to win over the locals and garner support for the project. The impact on the region was significant, but the long-term improvements would more than make up for the temporary disruptions.

UTC professionals became diplomats, meeting and discussing concerns with the local communities. Ignacio Benedetti, UTC Regional Director West Coast Latam, recounts some of the meetings. “This was a socially sensitive project. Power was interrupted as lines were moved to allow the large pieces to travel through towns on national roads. Generator backup did not exist, meaning residents and businesses were without power and water for long stretches - this happened multiple times over the course of a few months. We met with community leaders, business owners, and utility companies to explain the benefits of the project and the government’s investment in improving energy services. We shared an explanatory video to educate all concerned parties on the benefits of building up power resources in the area. To further complicate the situation, election training took place during one span of the project, and alternative energy sources had to be supplied so the training could be completed in time for election day.”