Ensuring Utility Workers’ Health and Safety: Keeping the Lights On and Protecting the Workforce

The sudden emergence and spread of COVID-19 brought many challenges affecting everyday life. Many companies promptly shifted to remote work to reduce the potential for transmission and maintain an effective workforce. However, essential workers—those in industries that are essential to ensure the continuity of critical functions—were not able to switch to working remotely. Energy sector workers who are unable to work remotely are considered essential workers along with workers in health care, transportation and logistics, and government operations. Some essential utility functions, such as control room operations and in-home visits, need to continue to be conducted in person. The pandemic underscored the importance of a reliable utility workforce and thus the importance of adequate pandemic preparedness.