Governor Stein Proclaims Careers in Energy Week

Careers In Energy Week

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, energy serves as a bedrock of our way of life, shows up at the flip of a switch or the turn of a dial, and is essential to the lives of the people of North Carolina; and 

Whereas, an invisible matrix of power pulses throughout all modern human endeavors, supporting the most basic daily tasks such as feeding our families, commuting to work, and cooling our homes, and enriching many of the fun things in life, such as movies at the theater, nighttime pool swims or pickup ball games, rides at the North Carolina State Fair, and travel of all sorts; and 

Whereas, North Carolina is experiencing unprecedented growth in energy demand driven by a surge in data center development, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing; and Duke Energy projects electricity demand to grow at least eight times faster over the next 15 years than it did over the previous 15, requiring significant new generation, transmission, and grid investment across the state; and 

Whereas, energy supports first responders and modern society’s complex systems – patient care, air traffic control, running a business or even a state; and after a powerful storm, restoring energy supplies is the first step to returning normalcy to our homes and communities; and

Whereas, energy-related industries provide careers to tens of thousands of North Carolinians – ranging from lineworkers, engineers, customer service representatives, and accountants to chemists, environmentalists, power plant operators, data center technicians, data analyzers, and vegetation management – all valued and all essential to powering our state’s future; and

 Whereas, North Carolina ranks first for clean energy jobs in rural areas, with benefits in all 100 counties of the state; and more than 113,000 North Carolinians pursue occupations advancing energy efficiency, renewable energy, electric transportation, energy storage, and other clean energy technologies; and

Whereas, North Carolina is leading the nation in energy workforce development, the Siemens Foundation’s launch of Careers Electric™ – a national initiative to train 25,000 people for vital roles in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure through partnerships with NC Community Colleges, the North Carolina Business Committee for Education, and employers across the state to build clear pathways into well-paying electrical careers; and 

Whereas, through strategic partnerships, the Carolinas Energy Workforce Consortium strives to promote a unified and result-oriented effort to ensure North Carolina residents find rewarding careers in energy so that our state can continue to grow in prosperity and meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 19 – 23, 2026, as “Careers In Energy Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this fifth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.