Expanding electricity demand is increasing the need for transmission infrastructure capable of supporting grid reliability and accommodating changing power requirements. Large-scale utility investment programs are creating demand for coordinated engineering, project management and construction delivery services across multiple regions.
Jacobs has been selected by American Electric Power (AEP) to provide integrated program delivery services for the utility's transmission modernization portfolio across seven Eastern U.S. states. The five-year engagement will support AEP's planned $37 billion transmission investment.
Work is underway, with delivery activities expected to increase as additional projects enter the portfolio.
The program encompasses transmission infrastructure projects in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia.
Jacobs' responsibilities will span several stages of project development and execution, including:
The integrated delivery structure is intended to establish consistent project execution processes across AEP's expanding transmission portfolio.
Jacobs will coordinate an integrated team comprising ORC, GFT and RC Commonwealth. The participating organizations bring experience in AEP's engineering standards, right-of-way services and large-scale infrastructure program delivery.
PA Consulting, a Jacobs business, will also contribute to innovation initiatives supporting AEP's longer-term strategic priorities.
The selection adds to Jacobs' involvement in major North American energy infrastructure programs. Its previous work includes serving as Owner's Engineer for Project Hostos, a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea interconnector, and supporting the Bonneville Power Administration's Grand Coulee Modernization Program.
The new engagement brings together engineering, environmental, project controls and right-of-way capabilities under a coordinated delivery arrangement. This structure will support the management of multiple transmission projects across different jurisdictions and project stages.
AEP's planned $37 billion investment represents a substantial pipeline of transmission infrastructure work over the next five years. The seven-state program creates opportunities for engineering, environmental, surveying, right-of-way and other specialist service providers involved in utility infrastructure development.
For construction owners and infrastructure contractors, the engagement highlights the importance of integrated program management and coordinated technical services in executing large, geographically distributed transmission portfolios.
Source: jacobs.
