Moving a massive 30-foot vessel through the Port of Corpus Christi takes more than tugboats, it takes power. In early June, AEP Texas began planning a coordinated effort to help CITGO's refinery move the vessel from its dock on the west end of the harbor. After evaluating four possible routes, the longest one stretching nearly five miles was chosen. The challenge was making sure the vessel cleared AEP Texas's power lines.

It took 18 lineworkers, six police escort vehicles, and crews from AEP Texas's business partner Line Tech to accomplish this. With six bucket trucks, two digger trucks, and four distribution operating technicians, teams raised or moved power lines at 15 different locations to make way. To keep customer's lights on, AEP Texas installed two GOAB switches and isolated intersections. 

"This was about safety and precision," said Distribution Operations Tech Steve Dornbush. "Our crews and partners worked extensively to prepare every detail."

The move was flawless all thanks to the coordinated effort of all the teams involved.