While the aging workforce “gap” that threatened U.S. electric utilities has largely been addressed, according to a recent report from the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD), a young and under-experienced workforce introduces a whole new set of problems, and turnover is at its highest point since the survey was first issued in 2006.
Millennials are now the largest category of industry employment by generation, the CEWD said, but while one problem seems to have been mostly solved, another has taken its place. The “dramatic” transformation of the makeup of the workforce has resulted in higher percentages of younger and less-experienced employees. CEWD’s survey found that 56% of overall workers have less than 10 years of service, a number that is even higher in certain job categories, with engineers and line workers both above 60%.
With the electric utility industry looking down the barrel of the huge and unprecedented growth of AI and data center demand, a healthy labor force is imperative.
Jon Malaver, Engineering Manager of Distribution Control & Integration in National Grid’s NE territory, will speak in a panel discussing the challenges utilities are facing when it comes to workforce acquisition and retention at DISTRIBUTECH March 24-27, 2025 in Dallas, Texas.
Malaver will participate in the session, Exploring talent acquisition and retention strategies with National Grid, the Society of Women Engineers, and ABB, taking place March 25 from 4 PM – 4:50 PM. A panel of experts from National Grid, Society of Women Engineers, and ABB will explore strategies to attract and retain a diverse, skilled workforce among these challenges and opportunities. Key topics include the importance of embracing new technologies, the necessity of investing in upskilling programs, and the role of leadership in fostering an adaptable, inclusive, and motivated workforce.
Apart from workforce retention, Malaver said one trend has emerged as the most crucial for the utility industry to address:
“Electrification: The increasing adoption of electric vehicles and other electrification initiatives is putting a strain on the grid, particularly on transformers and other midline equipment,” Malaver said. “Utilities are struggling with visibility into electrification adoption and the impact on their infrastructure.”
Jonatan (Jon) Malaver is the Manager of Distribution Control & Integration in National Grid’s NE territory. Jon is an Electrical and Computer Engineer with a rich blend of experience in both IT and utility sectors for nearly 20 years. Beginning his career at EMC (Dell), he quickly delved into computer engineering, later transitioning to a pivotal role at Shrewsbury Electric and Cable Operations. There, he architected the GIS and SCADA systems, led cross-functional teams spanning engineering, substation, and meter departments, and introduced transformative strategies for improved operational efficiency. Jon joined National Grid in 2022 as a Senior Engineer in Distribution Control & Integration. Jon is originally from Venezuela, and enjoys playing piano, listening to Latin Jazz music, international travel, and DYI home automation projects in his spare time.
Attending DTECH this year? Don’t miss these other great sessions!
- Itron’s Amanda Dixon on the future of municipal energy management
- Dominion Energy’s Aaron Winter on meeting cloud computing demands
- National Grid’s Jon Malaver on utility talent acquisition retention amid rapid industry changes
- Eversource Energy’s John Nachilly on leveraging eSIM tech for SCADA resiliency
- National Grid’s Bridget Powers Beggs on ‘right-sizing’ distribution systems and the economic, societal value of DERMS
- UConn Eversource Energy Center’s Dr. Diego Cerrai on AI for storm and damage prediction
- Evergy’s JJ Stutler on what utilities actually do with all of their private LTE data
- Alectra Utilities’ Vivek Somasundaram on building the control room of the future
- PPL’s Shelby Linton-Keddie on tackling rapid load growth
- Xcel Energy’s Marcus Johansson on building digital twins for the future grid
- Evergy’s Chad Carsten on communications networks for utility unity
- Duke Energy’s Jason Handley on utility policy impacts, grid edge investments, and more
- Liberty Utilities’ Sam McGarrah on improving utility asset management
- Southern California Edison’s Jerome Marr on long-term distribution planning and modern grid challenges
- AES’ Christian Lopez on the challenges of cultivating a skilled utility workforce
- National Grid’s Jesse Harvey on harnessing the next wave of smart meters: AMI 2.0
- Duke Energy’s John Pressley on how AI is reshaping utility work
This list will be updated as more sessions are previewed.
