Jacobs announced it has been selected as Program Manager and Owner’s Engineer to support Xcel Energy in delivering safe and reliable energy services while advancing toward a low-carbon future. This partnership reflects Xcel Energy’s commitment to meeting increasing energy demands through a substantial capital investment program.
Xcel Energy, a major energy provider serving millions of homes and businesses across eight Western and Midwestern states, is planning a significant expansion of its capital program. As part of this initiative, Jacobs will assist in establishing a Central Program Office and a Major Projects Group to manage a multi-billion-dollar portfolio of projects.
Jacobs' scope of services
Jacobs’ responsibilities will include managing Xcel Energy’s project portfolio, advising on project selection, and implementing standardized processesm in what appears to be engagement akin to a construction manager contract.
According to Jacobs, they aim to ensure consistent execution across Xcel Energy’s transmission, distribution, and generation projects by developing and maintaining core capital delivery standards.
“This program continues Jacobs’ relationship with Xcel Energy in delivering capital projects, upgrading utility infrastructure, and supporting future load demand requirements,” said Jacobs Executive Vice President Fiachra Ó Cléirigh. “Our transmission and distribution, generation, and program management experience across the U.S., U.K., and Asia-Pacific will support Xcel Energy as they provide reliable energy services for their consumers.”
Xcel Energy's $45 Billion Investment Plan
Xcel Energy’s Senior Vice President of Customer Delivery, Michael Lamb, highlighted the scale and importance of the initiative. “In October 2024, Xcel Energy announced a $45 billion investment plan to make our grid cleaner, stronger, and more efficient, ensuring we can meet unprecedented growth in our customers’ demand for electricity while keeping their bills as low as possible,” Lamb said.
“Our country’s energy grid faces the biggest transition in a century. We will meet this historic moment by powering new technologies, U.S. manufacturing expansion, and the electrification of vehicles, homes, and businesses”, he added.
The investment plan emphasizes strengthening the resilience of Xcel Energy’s transmission and distribution systems while integrating carbon-free and reliable energy generation resources.
Other recent new projects by Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy also recently announced that it has been awarded three significant projects by the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) to build new high-voltage power lines, improving electric reliability in Texas and New Mexico. One of these projects includes the first-ever 765 kV line within the SPP footprint, designed to manage electricity demand and enhance energy efficiency.
The new projects are:
Phantom – Crossroads – Potter 765 kV: This line will run from Amarillo, TX, to south of Portales, NM, and extend to the bottom of Lea County in southeastern New Mexico.
Grapevine – Kingsmill 115 kV: Located in the Pampa, TX area.
Moore County – XIT 230 kV: Located in the Dalhart, TX area.
According to the management, these projects align with Xcel Energy’s broader strategy to modernize the energy grid and improve service reliability for millions of customers.
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