Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Electric Power Solutions in Sumter, SC
At Sumter Utilities, we are deeply committed to delivering exceptional electric power infrastructure solutions across the Southeast. Founded in 1935, our company has built a legacy of quality, safety, and reliability through decades of dedicated service. Our expertise spans turnkey EPC projects, including transmission, distribution, substation construction, renewable energy, and emergency restoration.We prioritize a people-first culture, investing in rigorous safety protocols, comprehensive training programs, and a skilled workforce to ensure every project meets the highest standards. Our partnership with Quanta Services, Inc. enhances our capabilities, allowing us to tackle complex challenges while maintaining our core values of integrity, community focus, and technical excellence. With a proven track record and a vision for continuous improvement, we remain a trusted partner for utility providers throughout the region.
Services
Transmission Construction
Substation Development
Underground Distribution
Overhead Distribution
Renewable Energy
Storm Restoration
Lineman Training
Emergency Services
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We maintain one of the lowest TIIR ratings in the industry through rigorous safety protocols.
- Our apprenticeship program develops certified lineworkers through four years of hands-on training.
- We offer 24/7 emergency restoration services with modern equipment and experienced crews.
- Our team has specialized expertise in renewable energy projects since completing our first solar field in 2009.
- As part of Quanta Services, we leverage Fortune 200 company resources for complex projects.
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Labor
Services
Transmission Construction
Sumter Utilities delivers complete electrical transmission solutions, including new construction, maintenance, upgrades, and energized services. Our specialized crews ensure continuous power flow to substations and distribution networks using industry-leading safety protocols and advanced equipment. With decades of experience handling complex projects, we provide reliable infrastructure that meets evolving energy demands across the Southeast.
Substation Development
We design and construct high-voltage substations with comprehensive start-to-finish project management. Our expertise in substation modifications ensures efficient power distribution while maintaining strict safety standards. Backed by Quanta Services' resources, we deliver quality installations that enhance grid reliability for utility providers throughout the Southeast, supporting both traditional and renewable energy infrastructure.
Renewable Energy
Sumter Utilities leads renewable energy projects, including utility-scale solar installations since 2009. Our experienced teams develop sustainable solutions that integrate with existing power infrastructure while maintaining safety and efficiency standards. As a trusted partner in the Southeast, we help utility providers transition toward cleaner energy sources through proven expertise in alternative power systems and grid connectivity.
Storm Restoration
Our 24/7 emergency response teams provide rapid power restoration after natural disasters. Equipped with modern fleet vehicles and proven crisis protocols, we mobilize quickly to affected communities. With decades of experience handling regional emergencies, our crews combine technical expertise and safety-focused practices to restore critical infrastructure efficiently while maintaining communication with local stakeholders throughout the recovery process.
Lineman Training
Our Department of Labor-certified apprenticeship program trains future lineworkers through four years of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Combining flexible modular learning with state-of-the-art equipment in Sumter, SC, we develop skilled professionals who meet industry safety standards. This investment ensures a sustainable workforce while maintaining our reputation as a quality-driven employer in the electric power sector.
People
Derek O'Bradovich
President
With decades of leadership in the electric power industry, Derek oversees strategic operations and growth initiatives. His commitment to safety and quality drives company-wide excellence while maintaining our people-first culture. Derek ensures alignment with Quanta Services' vision for innovative infrastructure solutions.
Jennifer Sonntag
Chief Financial Officer
Jennifer manages financial operations and strategic budgeting, ensuring fiscal responsibility across all projects. Her expertise supports our long-term growth while maintaining investment in workforce development and safety programs. She plays key role in sustaining our financial stability and community investments.
John Burton
Safety Director
John leads our industry-leading safety initiatives, including the Capacity Model and daily hazard analysis programs. His team maintains our status as one of the safest contractors through comprehensive training and field oversight. He ensures compliance with all regulations while fostering our safety-first culture.
Colin Chalupa
Transmission Director
Colin oversees all transmission projects, leveraging technical expertise to deliver complex infrastructure solutions. He ensures project execution meets quality standards while mentoring staff on best practices. His leadership maintains our reputation for excellence in power grid construction and maintenance.
Scott Bryant
Director of Business Development
Scott drives strategic growth initiatives and client relationships across the Southeast. With deep industry knowledge, he identifies opportunities to expand our service offerings. His focus on client satisfaction strengthens partnerships while ensuring alignment with our core values of integrity and reliability.
Questions
What geographic areas do Sumter Utilities serve?
Sumter Utilities operates throughout the Southeastern United States, providing electric power infrastructure solutions from Virginia to Florida and west to Louisiana.
What safety certifications does Sumter hold?
We maintain one of the industry's lowest Total Incident Incident Rates (TIIR) through our safety program accredited by the U.S. Department of Labor and Quanta's Capacity Model.
How does Sumter prepare for emergency restoration?
Our 24/7 response teams use modern equipment and proven protocols, mobilizing rapidly through established emergency procedures and regional resource networks developed over 85 years.
What training programs does Sumter offer?
Our Department of Labor-certified Lineman Apprenticeship Program provides four years of combined classroom instruction and field training, producing certified professionals for the power industry.
What renewable energy experience does Sumter have?
Sumter began utility-scale solar projects in 2009 and now leads renewable infrastructure development in the Southeast with specialized expertise in grid integration and energy transition.
How does Sumter ensure project quality?
Through Quanta Services' resources, we implement rigorous quality control processes, industry-leading safety standards, and experienced project management teams for every assignment.
Reviews (4)
Amy Killian
Jun 16, 2021
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We were without electricity for 4 days due to hurricane Laura. THANK YOU for working in this hot Louisiana heat to get our power back on! We appreciate you all!
E. J. Billings
Jun 15, 2021
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Driving back to NC from Atlanta and one if their tuff guys, in the middle if a severe thunderstorm, tried running me off of the road. Mot once, but twice. It wasnt an accident either because when I tried catching up to him to get the name of the company off the side of the vehicle, he took off at over 90 mph just to get away. I had to go almost a hundred mph at times, in the severe rain, just to catch up to jim.
If he hadn't been blocked in by the semi trucks I never would have caught up to him. Only after I made the phone call to the company about the driver, did he slow down. I am pretty sure he still works for the company. I bet he didn't know I had my child asleep in the back either. Nice job.
If he hadn't been blocked in by the semi trucks I never would have caught up to him. Only after I made the phone call to the company about the driver, did he slow down. I am pretty sure he still works for the company. I bet he didn't know I had my child asleep in the back either. Nice job.
Gigi Rules
May 23, 2021
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I want to say thank you so much for your company coming and helping South Ouachita parish restore power back to our community after Hurricane Laura. Thank you for the long hours and kindness you gave. If I could personally say thank you to everyone that helped I would.so I'm doing the next best thing and thanking you all here! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Maurice Durham
Apr 30, 2021
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Enjoyed my work, ,w orked with a good crew and a good foreman. I look forward to when and if I can get back on board. Working for Dustin (Bean) and Mr Mike was a learning experience. My lead man Doc Kerby Jr was also a great help. Teamwork was the key to success in that crew.