A Strategic Approach to Workforce Management

Utilities across the country are investing in modernizing the grid, hardening infrastructure, and connecting clean energy resources to their grid. Regulators often push back on proposed increases in capital spend and headcount. Workforce challenges are compounding the issue, as many experienced utility workers are retiring, hiring for key jobs is difficult, and utilities are competing with other sectors for skilled labor. This is reflected in the fact that 56 percent of utility workers have fewer than 10 years of industry experience, indicating significant turnover and the replacement of experienced workers in recent years, according to the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD).