From residential developments to city-wide infrastructure upgrades, underground utility contractors are key in laying the groundwork for successful construction projects. These experts install and maintain the essential systems needed for daily living. In the Southeastern U.S., the demand for reliable and cost-effective utility contractors is high. Therefore, finding the right contractor is essential to receiving quality work and staying within your budget.

Considerations for Selecting an Underground Utility Contractor

The right underground utility contractor can make or break a project’s timeline, safety and budget. The companies listed here offer the best overall value based on several key factors:

• Proven track record with projects across multiple Southeastern states
• Focus on services like water, sewer, stormwater and gas system installation
• Strong industry presence and positive client feedback
• Adherence to OSHA standards and safety-first jobsite practices
• Ability to complete complex projects on time and within budget
• Involvement in large-scale or high-profile developments across public and private sectors

Top Southeastern Underground Utility Contractors 

The following companies consistently deliver results while balancing cost, quality and service.

1. Morgan Corp.

With nearly 80 years of experience, Morgan Corp. is a leading heavy civil contractor in the Southeastern United States. Its extensive portfolio encompasses everything from underground utility installations to industrial construction. Morgan Corp. emphasizes safety, quality and integrity, making it a client favorite.

Key advantages:

• Comprehensive underground utility services: Morgan Corp. specializes in installing storm drainage systems, sanitary sewers, landfill leachate collection and water distribution networks. Its expertise includes using fusion-welded high-density polyethylene pipe, making it suitable for complex civil construction projects.

• Advanced technology integration: Morgan Corp. uses modern equipment and procedures to ensure that each project meets the highest standards. Its quality control program includes video inspections using drones to verify the integrity of underground installations.

• In-house expertise: With a diverse staff of surveyors, drillers, blasters and machinery mechanics, Morgan Corp. can staff multiple projects simultaneously. This in-house capability allows for efficient project execution without relying on external consultants.

• Extensive regional presence: Morgan Corp. operates from numerous offices across the Southeast, including South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. This footprint enables it to serve various markets.

• Good track record: The contracting company’s portfolio includes notable projects, such as the Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4, where it executed site preparation for two new nuclear power generating units that covered over 1,000 acres of land.

2. Badger Underground Construction LLC

Serving South Florida’s Palm Beach, Broward and Martin counties, Badger Underground Construction LLC is a trusted name in underground utility and drainage work. With over a decade of experience, this fully licensed and insured contractor specializes in tailoring services to meet the challenges that Florida’s climate and soil conditions pose.

Key advantages:

• A range of service offerings: Badger provides underground utility installation, storm drainage systems and excavation work. It serves residential and commercial sectors, ensuring versatile solutions for various project needs.

• Local expertise: With in-depth knowledge of municipal codes and permitting processes in its service areas, Badger ensures projects go smoothly and remain compliant with local regulations.

• Transparent pricing: Clients appreciate the contractor’s fair and transparent pricing. It provides clear breakdowns of upfront costs, builds trust and reduces unexpected expenses.

• Professionalism and cleanliness: Badger’s crews maintain clean and organized jobsites. They prioritize minimizing disruptions and ensuring the work area is always in excellent condition.

• Positive customer feedback: Clients have praised Badger for its professionalism, punctuality and quality of work. 

3. Southern Utility Group

Southern Utility Group (SUG) is a fully insured underground construction company based in Gainesville, Georgia. SUG specializes in utility infrastructure and offers turnkey services focusing on communication, safety and timely project completion. The team utilizes the latest technologies and caters to various utility types, including power, water, gas, telecom and fiber.

Key advantages:

• Full-service offerings: SUG provides various infrastructure solutions, including horizontal directional drilling, underground construction, power services and large project management.

• Expertise across utility types: SUG’s team has experience working with various utilities, ensuring versatility and adaptability to different project requirements.

• Commitment to safety and excellence: SUG prioritizes safety, integrity and quality assurance in all operations, striving to render high-quality results while maintaining a supportive work environment.

• Proven project management: With a strong track record in managing large-scale projects, SUG has the experience and expertise to deliver on time and within budget.

• Rapid mobilization and response: The company is known for responding quickly to client needs thanks to its coordinated field teams and equipment availability. It is especially responsive in time-sensitive situations and emergencies.

4. State Utility Contractors

Established in 1985, State Utility Contractors has become a top builder of environmental service facilities in the Southeast. As an employee-owned company, it specializes in heavy civil construction, focusing on water and wastewater treatment plants, water and sewer lines, land infrastructure, and general commercial construction.

Key advantages:

• Comprehensive project delivery: The company offers a full spectrum of services, from preconstruction planning to post-construction support. It specializes in design-bid-build and alternative delivery methods, ensuring project flexibility and efficiency.

• Award-winning service: The company is a four-time recipient of the Carolinas AGC Pinnacle Award, which recognizes excellence in construction and commitment to quality.

• Employee-owned culture: Being an employee-owned company, State Utility Contractors fosters a culture of accountability and dedication, resulting in high-quality work and client satisfaction.

• Strong regional presence: With offices strategically located in Monroe and Wilmington, North Carolina, it serves clients throughout the Carolinas and the broader Southeastern U.S.

• Specialization in treatment facilities: With decades of experience, it has constructed numerous water and wastewater treatment plants, ranging from small pump stations to multimillion-dollar facilities. Such involvement means it can handle highly complex projects.

4. Hypower 

Hypower is one of the Southeast’s leading full-service electrical and utility contractors, offering underground utility installation services to complex power infrastructure projects. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to innovation, Hypower has completed over 1,500 projects valued at more than $1.5 billion.

Key advantages:

• Versatile underground services: Hypower’s Undergrounding Services Group provides technical support to design engineers and construction support for electric and telecommunications utilities.

• Diverse project portfolio: From power infrastructure to shore power installations, Hypower’s portfolio showcases its ability to handle complex and large-scale projects across various sectors.

• Industry recognition: Associated Builders and Contractors ranked Hypower among the top 20 Electrical Contractors in the nation due to its consistent commitment to quality and safety.

• Experienced workforce: With a team of over 700 professionals, Hypower brings a wealth of experience and expertise to every project.

• Commitment to safety and innovation: Hypower’s dedication to safety and innovation is evident in its approach to project execution. It incorporates the latest technologies and best practices to deliver efficient and reliable construction solutions.

5. All South Underground

With over three decades of experience, All South Underground has become a leading provider of underground utility services in the Southeast. As a certified general contractor, the company offers solutions for constructing, assessing, maintaining, and repairing pipeline and utility systems. Its clientele ranges from small contractors and large multinational design-build firms to government agencies.

Key advantages: 

• Full range of services: All South Underground provides directional boring, pipeline cleaning, CCTV pipe inspection, cured-in-place pipe lining, hydro-excavation and stormwater maintenance.

• Advanced technology utilization: The company employs state-of-the-art equipment and techniques like laser profiling and remote pipeline pressure grouting. These methods ensure precise diagnostics and efficient repairs.

• Rapid response and proposal turnaround: Understanding the urgency of utility issues, the company typically prepares proposals within 24 hours, along with a tentative project timeline. It also responds quickly to emergencies when the need arises.

• Strong safety and compliance record: With a focus on safety, the company maintains excellent standards and ensures all technicians have the proper training to adhere to regulations.

• Diverse project experience: All South Underground has contributed to large-scale, complex assignments — such as the I-95 widening and the Port Canaveral developments —  and projects at MacDill Air Force Base.

6. Landmark Construction

Since 1965, Landmark Construction has provided heavy civil construction services in the Southeast. With a legacy spanning over six decades, the company has consistently delivered high-quality underground utility installations, site work and concrete services. Its focus on safety, innovation and community engagement has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.

Key advantages:

• Extensive underground utility services: Landmark Construction provides sewer installations, water systems, storm drainage and dry utility installations. 

• Technological integration: The company uses advanced technologies — such as GPS and 3D modeling — for grade control, ensuring precision and efficiency in its projects.

• Diverse project portfolio: Landmark has successfully executed large-scale projects like the A&R Logistics facility, which involved the construction of a 615,000-square-foot building pad and underground utility systems.

• Safety and quality dedication: With a strong focus on safety protocols and quality control, the company ensures that each project meets stringent industry standards. It also strives to maintain a company-wide goal of zero work-related injuries or incidents.

• Regional expertise: Operating primarily in the Southeastern U.S., Landmark Construction’s deep understanding of local regulations, soil conditions and community needs allows it to tailor solutions effectively.

7. Allied Underground

Allied Underground specializes in underground utility construction across Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. With a focus on delivering high-quality services, the company can offer multiple civil construction solutions, from storm drainage to electrical conduit installation. Allied Underground has provided reliable utility services for over 15 years.

Key advantages:

• Various service offerings: Allied Underground provides utilities, demolition, rehabilitation, boring, site work, and municipal utility district and city infrastructure services.

• Experienced and certified team: The company holds various certifications, including OSHA, CPR/BFA, NPDES and HAZWOP. Such certifications make its team members qualified to execute projects safely and professionally.

• Advanced technology utilization: Allied Underground employs the latest equipment and techniques, minimizing the risk of damaging existing underground utilities.

• Large regional presence: Serving areas like Calhoun and Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia, Allied Underground has become a top choice for various civil construction needs.

• Client-centric approach: The company strives to provide honest and transparent pricing to avoid unnecessary order changes and maintain customer satisfaction.

8. Southeast Utilities of Georgia

Southeast Utilities of Georgia (SEU) provides construction, maintenance and restoration services for fiber optic, cable TV, telephone and power networks. It operates 13 offices across Southeastern locations, including Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Tennessee. It is also part of the Congruex family, so the company can offer more capabilities thanks to its expansive reach.

Key advantages:

• Expert underground services: SEU provides underground services, such as trenching, plowing, horizontal directional drilling and more. It is also available for pre-wire and post-wire installations for carrier residential, commercial and industrial construction.

• Strategic partnerships: The company maintains master contracts with major industry players, including Comcast, MetroNet, Uniti Fiber, Newberry Electric Cooperative and McCall-Thomas Engineering.

• Regional expertise: With offices strategically located throughout the Southeast, SEU possesses in-depth knowledge of local regulations and conditions.

• Integration with Congruex: Joining Congruex has allowed SEU to leverage additional resources and expertise, enhancing its service offerings across the Southeast.

• Turnkey project capabilities: From initial trenching to final system testing, SEU manages every phase of utility infrastructure installation. This service feature enables seamless project execution.

9. Lighthouse Underground Utilities

Lighthouse Underground Utilities has over 25 years of expertise in underground utility services across North Carolina, specializing in trenching, boring, plowing, digging and land clearing. The company serves residential and commercial clients within the city of Charlotte. It offers fair pricing and professional execution, guaranteeing efficiency and high standards in project completion.

Key advantages:

• Multiple service offerings: Lighthouse provides various services for large-area utility preparation and installations.

• Professional execution: As a locally owned and operated business, Lighthouse offers the responsiveness and flexibility of a small company while delivering commercial-grade results.

• Specialized equipment capabilities: With trenchers, plows, directional drills and bush hogs, Lighthouse can tailor its approach to suit varying soil conditions and project complexities.

• Positive client feedback: Clients commend Lighthouse for its professionalism, punctuality and quality of work.

• Client-centered: Lighthouse maintains clear communication, fair pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Choosing the Right Underground Utility Partner

Selecting a reliable underground utility contractor is one of the most critical steps in any successful construction project. The Southeastern U.S. is home to many qualified firms. Each company strives to give its clients efficient and cost-effective results.