Where the Smart Jobs Are

Last fall, the U.S. government announced the largest single energy modernization investment in U.S. history, totaling $8 billion. This investment and other policies that support the green movement are expected to create 4.5 million new jobs. These include opportunities the following areas:

Contractor Opportunities - Datacom contractors will be needed to overlay the communications systems for the smart grid, followed by power line contractors who will update switches, cabling and other utility infrastructure.

Solar and Wind Systems - Opportunities include installation and maintenance of solar, wind and other renewable energy systems. These include large centralized systems in areas like the southwest and Great Plains states well as smaller decentralized systems, including those in local communities. Opportunities also include private home systems, including solar panel systems and wind interconnected within the home there will be opportunities for Home Systems Integrators who can understand it all. Training and certifications should include:

• Smart Appliances
• Smart Grid Interfaces - including energy monitors and displays
• Home computer networks - PCs, Internet access
• Multimedia - audio, video, including home entertainment systems
• Heating/Air Conditioning - equipment and controls
• Home Security
• Programmable Light Control Systems (LCS)

Smart Grid Equipment Manufacturers / Distributors - Demand for smart meters, sensors, load control devices, appliance interfaces and energy displays.

Software Developers, Programmers, Cyber Security Specialists - New computer programs will be requiredto organize the massive amounts of data collected by smart meters. Also, programmers and cyber security specialists will be needed to developsecure communication and control programs for new IP networks.

Data Center Installers and Managers - A significant build out of new data centers is expected, which will enable utilities to handle the massive amounts of data they receive from metering devices.

Smart Homes and Home Energy Retrofits - The DOE estimates that retrofitting existing homes to make them more energy efficient could reduce home energy bills by $21 billion annually. In 2009, federal funding for energy efficiency efforts included $390 million to support innovative approaches to building retrofits.

Training Opportunities - The DOE has awarded nearly $100 million to train workers. When combined with $95 million from private industry, this will train 30,000 people involved in the smart grid industry. Power companies were the major recipients of the training funds. For information on training programs, contact your trade association as well as power companies in your area. Also check the following websites:

• For information on Green Jobs Training, go to the NECA-IBEW website: http://www.nietc.org
• For information on Solar and Wind Installations: http://www.bootsontheroof.com/solarpartnerships
• To learn about opportunities in Green Building, including the LEED Rating System, go to the U.S. Green Building Council website: http://www.usgbc.org