Significance of Workforce Diversity
Rory Christian is Chair of the New York State Public Service Commission and CEO of the New York Department of Public Service.
Tracey Edwards is Chair of the Long Island Power Authority Board of Trustees.
The utilities industry faces an unprecedented array of strategic, legal, policy, and regulatory challenges. Challenges that span a broad spectrum, ranging from the need to transition our energy sources to more efficient fuels and cleaner technologies, to preparing for and responding to natural disasters and cybersecurity threats.
Ultimately, it is the utility workforce that will confront many of these challenges head-on. This workforce must possess the skills and expertise necessary to meet the myriad of operational needs and should also reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. By embracing workforce diversity, utilities can make their overall efforts more efficient and manageable.
Utilities Have a Unique Role in Communities
Utilities have played an indispensable role in providing essential services to the communities they serve. The ability to provide these services safely, reliably, and at just and reasonable rates, has been a key driver of economic growth and has supported the very foundation of American life. In serving this unique role, utilities can bolster their capacity to overcome their challenges by cultivating a workforce that mirrors the communities they serve.