The modernisation programme is an extension of Jacobs’ ongoing work with BPA.
The modernization effort is vital for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which depends on the Grand Coulee Dam to deliver more than 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually across several states and into Canada. As the owner's consultant, Jacobs will deliver project management, scoping, engineering, and strategic advisory services aimed at improving substation infrastructure, optimizing power transmission routes, and ensuring efficient and reliable service for BPA customers.
Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh stated: “Through this new agreement, Jacobs will apply its experience in energy and infrastructure to support BPA in delivering resilient, secure and cost-effective power solutions to communities across the Pacific Northwest. This collaboration reinforces Jacobs’ dedication to advancing critical capital projects, modernising utility infrastructure and strategically positioning BPA to meet future load demand with efficiency and reliability.”
This project builds on Jacobs’ existing relationship with BPA, which includes its involvement in the Ross Complex Redevelopment Program and the Facilities Portfolio Delivery Program. The Ross Complex initiative focuses on managing power transmission infrastructure in the Northwestern US, while the Facilities Portfolio Delivery covers maintenance, renovation, and new construction across BPA’s multi-state operations.
In a move intended to improve efficiency and reduce expenses, management of the Grand Coulee modernization effort was recently transferred from the Bureau of Reclamation to BPA. This strategic shift is expected to accelerate progress and enable more cost-effective implementation of necessary upgrades.
BPA spokesperson Kevin Wingert commented: “Grand Coulee dam plays a critical role powering our communities, given its current capacity of more than 7,000 megawatts. Modernising and making the current switchyards more reliable for the future will preserve current utility infrastructure and allow Grand Coulee to quickly and safely ramp up and down generation depending on grid demand – critical as AI data centres and other power-dense applications come online.”
The Grand Coulee project is part of Jacobs’ broader involvement in the US energy sector. The company has also been engaged as program manager and owner’s engineer for Xcel Energy, supporting large-scale transmission, distribution, and generation developments throughout the northern and central United States.
Through its continued participation in major power infrastructure programs, Jacobs contributes to the modernization and resilience of the national grid, aligning with long-term objectives to meet growing demand and ensure secure, sustainable energy delivery.
