Modernizing critical transmission infrastructure for the Pacific Northwest
Grand Coulee Dam is the largest power-generating facility in the U.S. and a cornerstone of the Pacific Northwest’s electricity system. The facility transmits more than 21 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, supplying communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana and parts of several neighboring states and Canadian provinces. As energy demand grows and infrastructure ages, maintaining reliable transmission and distribution systems supporting the dam is critical.
The Grand Coulee Modernization Program will upgrade key switchyards and associated transmission infrastructure to improve reliability, efficiency and long-term performance. Modernizing these systems will allow the facility to ramp generation more effectively in response to changing grid conditions while preserving the infrastructure that delivers hydropower to millions of customers across the region.
Jacobs is serving as Owner’s Consultant to the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), providing project management, engineering, scoping and strategic advisory services for the modernization program. We’re working with the client to plan and deliver upgrades that include substation infrastructure improvements, optimization of transmission pathways and enhancements to operational efficiency across the system.
By combining deep experience in transmission and distribution infrastructure with program management expertise, Jacobs is supporting BPA to deliver resilient, secure and cost-effective power solutions. The modernization effort strengthens one of the nation’s most important energy assets — ensuring reliable hydropower delivery while positioning the system to meet future electricity demand across the Pacific Northwest.
