WEBINAR

Optimizing Conduit Selection with Lifecycle Cost: The Case for Fiberglass in Undergrounding

First-cost decisions can hide the true price of underground infrastructure. This webinar shows how lifecycle cost analysis reveals the long-term value of conduit materials—and where fiberglass can deliver durability, reliability, and lower total cost of ownership.

March 19, 2026

6:00 PM UTC

1 hour

Sponsored by

March 19th, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM CT | 11:00 AM PT
Duration: 60 minutes
Already registered? Click here to login now.

Summary

As utilities and municipalities expand underground infrastructure, conduit material selection is often driven by first cost rather than long-term performance. This approach can overlook the operational, maintenance, and replacement costs that ultimately define an asset’s true value. This webinar explores how lifecycle cost analysis provides a more accurate framework for evaluating conduit materials in underground applications.

Presenters will examine the key factors that influence lifecycle cost, including corrosion resistance, structural performance, installation considerations, durability, and expected service life; and how these variables impact long-term risk and total cost of ownership. Special attention will be given to fiberglass conduit, highlighting where its material properties align with strategic undergrounding goals such as system reliability, reduced maintenance, and extended asset life.

Through practical examples and industry insights, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how thoughtful conduit material selection can support long-term infrastructure planning, minimize future disruptions, and deliver measurable value beyond the initial bid price.

Attendees will learn:

How lifecycle cost analysis differs from traditional first-cost comparisons.

The performance characteristics that most influence long-term conduit costs.

Where fiberglass conduit can reduce risk and maintenance in underground systems.

How material selection supports strategic undergrounding initiatives.

Speakers

Mike Beehler

National Spokesperson

Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative

Mike Beehler P.E. is the national spokesperson for the Power Delivery Intelligence Initiative and the chief opportunity officer for Mike Beehler & Associates LLC. He started his career designing and building transmission lines and substations for Tucson Electric Power and the Hawaiian Electric Co. and then spent more than 20 years designing T&D infrastructure and consulting on emerging trends at Burns & McDonnell. He has written, presented, and consulted on reliability-centered maintenance, critical infrastructure protection, and program management. In addition, he is a well-known industry writer and speaker on the early definition of the smart grid, 3-D and building information modeling applications in T&D, and development plans for smart cities. Most recently, he is sought for his strategic leadership and vision on the application of emerging technologies in changing business models to include the integration of distributed energy resources, augmented/virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. He authored the book, The Science of the Sale. Beehler is a registered professional engineer in Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Colorado, Kansas, Georgia, and Alabama. He also is a Fellow in the American Society of Civil Engineers and a member of IEEE and CIGRE.

Matt Fredericks

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Champion Fiberglass®

Matt Fredericks is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Champion Fiberglass®, a leading manufacturer of fiberglass conduit and strut systems for the electrical and utility industries. With years of experience supporting utilities, engineers, and contractors, Matt has been instrumental in advancing the use of innovative conduit materials in complex undergrounding and grid modernization projects. His expertise spans strategic undergrounding, data center power delivery, and large-scale infrastructure design; helping teams achieve reliable, efficient, and sustainable cable installation solutions. Matt’s leadership combines technical understanding with a deep focus on collaboration and education, making him a trusted voice in the evolving world of underground power systems.