Rising electricity demand is driving a major expansion of U.S. transmission infrastructure, with American Electric Power (AEP) advancing a five-year investment programme valued at $37 billion. Jacobs has been selected to provide integrated programme delivery services for AEP’s transmission projects across seven eastern states.
The selection covers infrastructure work in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia. Delivery activities are already underway and are expected to expand as AEP advances its growing project portfolio.
Jacobs will provide end-to-end programme delivery services to help AEP manage and execute its transmission infrastructure portfolio. The scope includes project management, project controls, engineering and design, site selection, stakeholder outreach, right-of-way services and environmental support.
The integrated approach is intended to standardise project execution and support consistent delivery across multiple locations. Jacobs will coordinate a team that combines its programme and engineering capabilities with ORC, GFT and RC Commonwealth, which bring experience with AEP’s design standards and right-of-way requirements.
PA Consulting, a Jacobs business, will also support innovation initiatives aligned with AEP’s long-term strategic priorities.
The programme spans Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia and Virginia. The work forms part of AEP’s broader effort to modernise its transmission network and respond to increasing electricity demand.
Transmission infrastructure investment is important to grid reliability and resilience as utilities address changing energy requirements. Jacobs’ services are expected to help AEP scale project delivery across its expanding portfolio over the next five years.
The selection adds to Jacobs’ involvement in major power transmission and modernization programmes across North America. Its previous work includes serving as Owner’s Engineer for Project Hostos, an HVDC subsea interconnector, and supporting the Bonneville Power Administration’s Grand Coulee Modernization Program.
AEP’s planned $37 billion investment represents a substantial programme of work for the U.S. power transmission sector. Jacobs’ appointment highlights the role of integrated engineering, project controls, environmental services and right-of-way coordination in delivering large-scale grid infrastructure projects across multiple states.
Source: jacobs.
