We’ve previously discussed green jobs in Colorado and utility training in Connecticut, but today it is Minnesota’s turn in the spotlight. The CapX2020 transmission projects are expected to generate nearly 8,000 during 2013 when peak construction takes place. That’s according to a recent analysis completed by the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research.
Utility Jobs and High Voltage Transmission Lines
The CapX2020 project is actually a series of five projects being undertaken by a consortium of 11 utilities spanning 4 states. When completed, the high voltage lines will serve customers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota. The utility companies involved in the project expect that the total cost will reach $2 billion as transmission wires and towers covering 700 miles are erected.
Xcel Energy and Great River Energy recently broke ground on the first project in the initiative. The Monticello-St. Cloud transmission line will carry 345kV and span 28 miles. It is expected that the project will create 708 indirect and direct jobs. Subsequent projects will include the following lines:
• Fargo-St. Cloud
• Bemidiji-Grand Rapids
• Hampton-Rochester-La Crosse
• Brookings County-Hampton
According to the University of Minnesota study, for each dollar spent on construction, an additional $1.93 will be added to the local economy. In addition, the entire CapX2020 project should result in $50 million in tax revenue for the four states hosting the lines.
However, for job seekers such as you, the main event from the project is the employment opportunities that will be available. While many of these jobs will be involved in the actual construction of the lines, there are also indirect jobs to be found in the retail, engineering and hospitality sectors. The job creation is expected to occur along the following timeline:
• 2010: 571 jobs
• 2011: 2,257 jobs
• 2012: 4,580 jobs
• 2013: 7,820 jobs
• 2014: 5,907 jobs
• 2015: 2,425 jobs
Of course, once those lines are erected, the utility job opportunities do not end. There will still be a need for line workers and others to maintain service for years to come.
Ensuring Affordable and Reliable Energy
While creating high-voltage lines can be controversial, especially when easements are needed to cut through private property, a well-maintained transmission system is vital to ensuring safe and reliable energy. In addition, despite the initial cost, rate payers can see savings in the long-term as new lines need less maintenance and are more efficient than older infrastructure.
The CapX2020 projects will expand grid capacity by 30 percent. The utilities involved in the projects also state that it will help move wind-created energy. Overall, the lines in the project will be able to move 4,500 megawatts of electricity.
What are you waiting for? Don’t let high-paying utility jobs pass you by. Visit UtilitiesJobs right now and get your resume in before the competition does!
Maryalene LaPonsie is an accomplished writer who has extensive experience reporting on education, career advancement and workforce development topics. She specializes in sales and marketing consultation as well as general copywriting services.
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