Jacobs Selected to Strengthen Transmission and Distribution Infrastructure for Bonneville Power Administration

Rhea-AI Summary

Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to provide engineering and advisory services for the Grand Coulee Modernization Program. The project aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of transmission infrastructure at Grand Coulee Dam, the largest power-generating facility in the US, which delivers over 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually across eight states and parts of Canada. The dam's current capacity exceeds 7,000 megawatts. Jacobs will serve as the owner's consultant, providing project management, engineering, and strategic advisory services. This builds on Jacobs' existing relationship with BPA, including work on the Ross Complex Redevelopment program and Facilities Portfolio Delivery Program. The program was recently transferred from the Bureau of Reclamation to BPA to accelerate modernization at reduced costs.

Positive

• Selection as owner's consultant for a major infrastructure modernization project at the largest US power-generating dam
• Expands existing relationship with BPA through additional infrastructure projects
• Project supports growing power demands from AI data centers and other power-dense applications
• Strengthens Jacobs' position in transmission and distribution sector, building on recent key wins with Xcel Energy

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Infrastructure Analyst

Jacobs strengthens position in energy infrastructure with BPA contract for Grand Coulee Dam modernization, enhancing portfolio in critical power infrastructure sector.

Jacobs (NYSE: J) has secured a notable contract with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to provide engineering and advisory services for the Grand Coulee Modernization Program. This development strengthens Jacobs' portfolio in the critical infrastructure sector, specifically targeting transmission and distribution infrastructure supporting the largest power-generating dam in the U.S.

The strategic significance of this contract extends beyond the immediate engagement. Grand Coulee Dam delivers more than 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually across eight states and parts of Canada, with a generation capacity exceeding 7,000 megawatts. As owner's consultant, Jacobs will deliver project management, engineering, and strategic advisory services to modernize substation infrastructure and optimize transmission pathways.

This contract builds upon Jacobs' existing relationship with BPA, including previous work on the Ross Complex Redevelopment program and Facilities Portfolio Delivery Program, demonstrating client satisfaction and relationship continuity. The program transfer from the Bureau of Reclamation to BPA aims to expedite modernization at lower costs, potentially accelerating project timelines to Jacobs' benefit.

The mention of accommodating AI data centers and power-dense applications positions this contract at the intersection of traditional infrastructure and emerging technology demands. With Jacobs ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record's Top 50 Program Management Firms list in 2024 and reporting approximately $12 billion in annual revenue, this contract reinforces their strategic focus on critical infrastructure modernization in an increasingly power-hungry economy.

Grand Coulee Modernization Program Enhances Grid Reliability and Power Delivery Across Eight U.S. States

DALLAS, June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to provide engineering and advisory services for the Grand Coulee Modernization Program, a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and longevity of transmission and distribution infrastructure supporting the largest power-generating dam in the U.S.

As the backbone of BPA's power delivery system, Grand Coulee Dam plays a vital role in transmitting more than 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually to customers across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, and parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming and Canada. As the owner's consultant, Jacobs will provide project management, scoping, engineering and strategic advisory services to modernize substation infrastructure, optimize transmission pathways, enhance operational efficiency and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality power to BPA's customers.

"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," said Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh. "This collaboration reinforces Jacobs' dedication to advancing critical capital projects, modernizing utility infrastructure and strategically positioning BPA to meet future load demand with efficiency and reliability."

"Grand Coulee dam plays a critical role powering our communities given its current capacity of more than 7,000 megawatts," said BPA spokesperson Kevin Wingert. "Modernizing 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 Centers and other power dense applications come online."

The Grand Coulee Program builds upon Jacobs' Owner's Consultant projects with BPA, including the Ross Complex Redevelopment program that manages BPA's power transmission for the Northwestern U.S., and the Facilities Portfolio Delivery Program that includes the refurbishment, maintenance and new construction of BPA facilities across multiple states.

Recently, the Grand Coulee Program was transferred from the Bureau of Reclamation to BPA to expedite efficient facility modernization at a lower cost.

This program builds on Jacobs' transmission and distribution key wins in the U.S., namely Program Manager and Owners Engineer for Xcel Energy, supporting major programs comprising critical transmission, distribution and generation projects in North and Central U.S.

Jacobs is ranked by Engineering News-Record No. 1 in the Top 50 Program Management Firms list in 2024.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world's most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we're creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations, as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, uncertainties as to, the timing of the award of projects and funding and potential changes to the amounts provided for under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other legislation and executive orders related to governmental spending, including any directive to federal agencies to reduce federal spending or the size of the federal workforce, and changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including the impact of, and changes to tariffs and retaliatory tariffs or trade policies, that may adversely impact our future financial positions or results of operations, as well as general economic conditions, including inflation and the actions taken by monetary authorities in response to inflation, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in capital markets, the possibility of a recession or economic downturn, and increased uncertainty and risks, including policy risks and potential civil unrest, relating to the outcome of elections across our key markets and elevated geopolitical tension and conflicts, among others. For a description of these and additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.

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FAQ

What is Jacobs' role in the Grand Coulee Modernization Program?

Jacobs will serve as the owner's consultant, providing project management, scoping, engineering and strategic advisory services to modernize substation infrastructure and optimize transmission pathways.

How much power does the Grand Coulee Dam currently generate?

Grand Coulee Dam has a current capacity of more than 7,000 megawatts and transmits over 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.

Which states receive power from the Grand Coulee Dam?

The dam provides power to Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, and parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, as well as parts of Canada.

Why was the Grand Coulee Program transferred from Bureau of Reclamation to BPA?

The transfer was made to expedite efficient facility modernization at a lower cost.

What other projects has Jacobs worked on with BPA?

Jacobs has worked on the Ross Complex Redevelopment program managing power transmission for Northwestern U.S., and the Facilities Portfolio Delivery Program for BPA facilities across multiple states.