Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a leading sustainable company and member of the Iberdrola Group, is home to more than 7,000 employees across the United States, nearly a quarter of which are veterans. From field positions like lineworker and wind technician to corporate roles like analyst and executive leadership, there are veterans working across Avangrid to accelerate the clean energy transition and ensure safe and reliable power for the communities we serve.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy veterans make up nine percent in the U.S. energy workforce. At Avangrid that skews much higher, reaching 21 percent in 2023.
“There is always a high demand in the energy industry for skilled workers, and veterans are a natural fit because of their disciplined nature and high priority of safety,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “I recognize the leadership skills and mission-driven focus from military service that can translate well to our industry. We are committed to not just hiring veterans, but also helping them with career development and enrichment through initiatives like our AVAN-Veterans Employee Resource Group.”
In Avangrid’s renewables business, 14 veterans make up roughly half of the power system operators at the company’s National Control Center (NCC), which is a 24-7 generation system control room that manages the operations of Avangrid’s more than 70 wind and solar facilities throughout the country. The NCC group works in 12-hour shifts and can encounter stressful situations that require quick action. The Center’s Senior Director Kit Blair believes a military background helps immensely, “I see how their military skills and mindset transfers well to this job. They have the ability to prioritize, remain calm in stressful situations, stay focused through long shifts, and exercise good judgment.”
Alongside their employees, Avangrid’s executive team also includes numerous veterans, including Kyra Patterson, U.S. Navy Veteran and Chief Human Resources Officer at Avangrid; Brian Harrell, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and Vice President and Chief Security Officer at Avangrid; and Frank Reynolds, retired U.S. Army Major and President & CEO of United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, Connecticut Natural Gas, and Berkshire Gas Company.
“Military veterans have an uncompromising work ethic and know what it takes to complete a mission,” said Reynolds. “I enlisted in the Connecticut National Guard after high school, and the skills I developed were instrumental when I began my career with Southern Connecticut Gas 29 years ago. I am glad to see so many of us across the Avangrid family, and I would encourage more veterans to consider Avangrid in their professional journey. We would be fortunate to have more team members with these unique and valuable skills.”
“This is a sector where veterans can thrive,” said Patterson. “The technical skills they bring and work ethic setup them up for success. Once they join the field, a lot of doors can open for future career growth. Avangrid will always welcome veterans and we’re very proud to have so many men and women who have served our country helping us to build a clean energy future.”
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in the United States. Headquartered in Orange, CT with approximately $41 billion in assets and operations in 24 U.S. states, Avangrid has two primary lines of business: networks and renewables. Through its networks business, Avangrid owns and operates eight electric and natural gas utilities, serving more than 3.3 million customers in New York and New England. Through its renewables business, Avangrid owns and operates a portfolio of renewable energy generation facilities across the United States. Avangrid employs more than 7,500 people and has been recognized by JUST Capital in 2021, 2022 and 2023 as one of the JUST 100 companies – a ranking of America’s best corporate citizens. In 2023, Avangrid ranked first within the utility sector for its commitment to the environment. The company supports the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals and was named among the World’s Most Ethical Companies in 2023 for the fifth consecutive year by the Ethisphere Institute. Avangrid is a member of the group of companies controlled by Iberdrola, S.A. For more information, visit www.avangrid.com.
