Jacobs has been chosen by United Utilities, one of the UK’s largest publicly traded water companies, to join its Strategic Solutions Team (SST) in order to assist in optimizing programs for major capital projects throughout the asset management periods (AMP8) from 2025 to 2030 and (AMP9) from 2030 to 2035.
Collaborating with United Utilities and its construction delivery partners, Jacobs will focus on program and asset optimization, value engineering, innovation, and standardization for both existing and new assets, aiming to develop efficient, integrated solutions and recommend preferred options based on best value, lowest carbon, and cost.
Jacobs’ technical services will encompass feasibility and value management studies, commercial modeling, business case development, design and digital engineering, whole life cost evaluations, best value assessments, and more.
The total value of the framework agreement with United Utilities is estimated at around $211 million over the initial six-year contract period, with an option for a five-year extension.
Kate Kenny, Senior Vice President at Jacobs, stated, “This appointment extends our longstanding partnership with United Utilities to over 20 years, solidifying our role as their trusted advisor. Taking a holistic approach to asset base optimization at the program level is crucial for challenging conventions and devising strategic water solutions to deliver benefits for customers and the environment in the North West of England.”
United Utilities supplies water and wastewater services to approximately seven million people in the North West of England, serving three million households and 200,000 business establishments.
For the past decade, Jacobs has provided support to United Utilities under the current engineering services framework, offering a wide array of services ranging from strategic studies and business planning to asset optimization, project and program management, all aimed at ensuring the resilience of critical assets such as the Haweswater Aqueduct.
United Utilities has implemented a Dynamic Network Management approach, powered by Jacobs’ Aqua DNA—a Digital OneWater solution that collects real-time data and enhances wastewater network performance using smart sensors and AI-driven predictive analytics—to proactively address challenges and prevent issues.
Jacobs has also assisted United Utilities in achieving success in Ofwat’s (the Water Services Regulation Authority for England and Wales) past and most recent innovation competition, Water Breakthrough Challenge 3.
Source :Jacobs
