Local utilities celebrate Careers in Energy Week
Oct. 20, 2025
This piece is sponsored by Xcel Energy, Sioux Valley Energy and Southeastern Electric Cooperative.
Oct. 20-24 is Careers in Energy Week. According to the Center for Energy Workforce Development, approximately 7 million men and women across the nation work in the energy industry. These dedicated and skilled workers are the backbone of our energy infrastructure, ensuring the continuous and efficient delivery of energy to our communities.
Xcel Energy, Sioux Valley Energy and Southeastern Electric Cooperative are celebrating the week by sharing the top three reasons to work in the energy industry.
1. Exciting industry
The energy industry is where innovation meets dynamism. The energy industry is evolving constantly and needs diverse skill sets and backgrounds to meet new challenges head-on. Careers in energy are driving change and powering progress. From renewable breakthroughs to cutting-edge technologies, the energy industry is an exciting place to be.
“It has been an incredible journey to watch the advancement of technology and progress in the energy field over my 38 years in the utility business,” Sioux Valley Energy general manager and CEO Tim McCarthy said.
“There has never been a better time to be involved in the development of energy resources and associated member-focused tools. We are seeing some incredible emerging technologies, and today’s workforce is going to propel us into an even more reliable, resilient and redundant energy landscape in the future.”
2. Job stability
Energy is a fundamental necessity that powers modern life, which translates directly into strong job stability across the industry. Careers in the energy industry require specialized knowledge and critical skills, so utilities typically offer competitive salaries along with comprehensive benefits packages.
“Building a skilled workforce depends on strong community engagement. Some organizations encourage their employees to serve on post-secondary school advisory committees and participate in career fairs,” said Eric Pauli, Xcel Energy community relations manager in South Dakota.
“These connections offer students guidance, encouragement and the chance to see themselves in careers they might not otherwise have considered.”
3. Career diversity and growth opportunities
From engineering and technology to finance and communications, the energy industry offers a range of rewarding careers.
“The energy industry encompasses a wide array of career paths,” said Chad Kinsley, CEO of Southeastern Electric Cooperative. “We need innovative problem-solvers in all areas to ensure our communities have the vital power they depend on.”
To learn more about careers in the energy industry, check out the career pages of these local utilities:
