Scaling Construction Projects Without Permanent Hires in Transmission, Distribution and Power

Data center construction and other infrastructure updates can make scaling construction projects a challenge. See how interim staffing can help.

Data Centers Are Pushing Utilities to Their Limits

Power generation demands threaten to exceed the ability of transmission, distribution and power (TD&P) companies to meet them. As artificial intelligence continues to be rapidly adopted on a world-wide scale, electricity demands must scale to match. This has led to the rapid construction of data centers around the country.

This AI data center energy consumption will prove a challenge for TD&P companies. By 2030, electricity demand from data centers is projected to increase to 515–720 terawatt-hours (TWh), up from about 180–290 TWh in 2024 — a 15–17% compound annual growth rate.

The Struggle for Utilities to Scale

The construction of data centers calls for a massive influx of talent, but it also contributes to a ripple effect. To accommodate these projects, the infrastructure surrounding data centers also needs to be updated. This requires substantial investment in grid modernization.

Balancing data center construction, grid updates and other existing utilities projects can be a challenge for TD&P companies. At Actalent, we’ve witnessed clients scramble to manage and staff multiple projects while keeping to tight timelines. This rapid growth requires utility companies to quickly scale, but it’s increasingly difficult to meet the demand for workers with the right skills.

Construction Labor Shortages Put TD&P Projects in Jeopardy

There’s a huge demand for TD&P talent. Actalent’s Labor Market Report noted that 2,000 construction jobs were added in July alone. However, 88% of construction firms reported struggling to fill open positions.

Two key challenges contribute to the workforce strain in construction. First is the skills gap. Many workers currently in the field lack digital fluency or familiarity with evolving demands like compliance reporting and project management tools. Second is an aging workforce. Nearly half of construction workers are seasoned professionals nearing retirement and new skilled workers aren’t keeping pace with growing demand.

These labor shortages result in a loss of productivity, extended timelines and missed deadlines, and, in some cases, restrictions on your company’s ability to bid on projects.

Connect With An Expert

Scale Quickly with Interim Staffing

Bringing in contract or interim TD&P talent can help your company quickly ramp up work on high-importance projects. This influx of talent can help you meet project deadlines and fill positions at multiple sites, keeping all operations running on schedule.

Many of these projects are based in remote regions, where access to qualified talent is limited and few organizations have the reach to support them. Actalent’s ability to source and deploy skilled professionals on a contingent basis — even in hard-to-staff locations — gives our clients a distinct advantage. From grid infrastructure and data center construction to compliance, reporting, and safety, Actalent connects you with the expertise needed to keep critical projects moving forward.

The ability to scale quickly through interim staffing can be a major differentiator on project bids. Working with Actalent shows you have access to the talent needed to complete large-scale TD&P projects, giving you an edge over the competition.

Infographic showing the top in-demand positions for transmission, distribution and power (TD&P).

Get Top TD&P Talent

Actalent can provide in-demand TD&P talent, including:

Engineering and Design:

Electrical Design Engineer
Electrical Drafter
Civil/Structural Engineer
Mechanical Piping Engineer
Controls Engineer

Project and Program Management:

Project Manager/Coordinator
Owner’s Rep/Contract Coordinator

Construction and Field Execution:

Construction Manager
Commissioning
Site Safety/Safety Coordinator
QA/QC Inspector

Planning and Controls:

Planner/Scheduler
Cost Control Analyst
Estimator

Scale Your TD&P Projects with Actalent

Actalent works with TD&P clients to source, recruit and hire qualified talent with a wide range of skill sets and experiences in electric power delivery, electric power generation, gas delivery, and oil and gas. We support over 170 utility firms across the country by providing engineering and construction management consultants.

We have the expertise to navigate the needs of the TD&P industry, with nearly 100 specialized TD&P sales and recruiting professionals in North America who placed more than 1,000 consultants at 400 clients in 2024. Contact us today to begin scaling your TD&P projects.