Orange County and Los Angeles-based utility executive Dianoush Dion Emami urges industry leaders and communities to prioritize infrastructure resilience, safety discipline, and workforce development.

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESS Newswire / March 2, 2026 / Dianoush "Dion" Emami, Chief Executive Officer of Parkia, Inc., is speaking out about the urgent need to modernize America's power infrastructure while strengthening safety culture and workforce development across the utility sector.

With more than 40 years of experience in power generation, transmission, and distribution, Emami has worked on nuclear facilities, public utility systems, and high-voltage underground transmission projects across the western United States. Today, he is advocating for a disciplined, long-term approach to grid resilience-one that combines engineering excellence, financial responsibility, and investment in people.

"The power grid is not just equipment in the ground," Emami said. "It is a public trust. Every decision must be technically, legally, and ethically defensible.

Why Grid Resilience Matters Now

The U.S. power grid is under increasing strain. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 70% of transmission lines and large power transformers in the United States are more than 25 years old. At the same time, extreme weather events have doubled in frequency over the past two decades, placing additional stress on aging infrastructure.

In 2023 alone, weather-related outages affected millions of Americans, with economic losses from power disruptions estimated in the tens of billions of dollars annually.

California faces added pressure from wildfire risk, population growth, and expanding electrification, including electric vehicles and renewable energy integration. Underground transmission systems and modernized substations are becoming critical components of long-term grid reliability.

"Infrastructure modernization and grid resiliency are creating unprecedented opportunities," Emami said. "But opportunity must be matched with discipline. Cutting corners is never the answer in high-risk environments."

Safety and Accountability in High-Risk Industries

Having built his career in nuclear power and large-scale utility construction, Emami emphasizes that safety must remain the industry's foundation.

"As a CEO in a high-risk industry, I am repeatedly responsible for safety, money, and people," he said. "When everything feels important, nothing actually is. Prioritization restores clarity."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently ranks construction and utility work among higher-risk industries in the United States. Strong safety systems, proper training, and leadership accountability directly reduce injury rates and improve operational performance.

Emami believes leaders must model this standard from the top.

"Success is building things that last-companies, systems, and reputations-while staying accountable to your values," he said. "You don't chase applause. You chase competence and integrity."

Investing in the Next Generation of Utility Professionals

Beyond infrastructure, Emami is advocating for stronger workforce development across the engineering and utility sectors. According to industry studies, nearly half of the current utility workforce is expected to retire within the next decade, creating an urgent need for skilled engineers, project managers, and safety leaders.

"Investing in people before projects is what allows organizations to scale responsibly," Emami said. "When you build strong people, they build strong projects."

He encourages experienced professionals to mentor younger engineers and field leaders, emphasizing that technical knowledge must be transferred intentionally to maintain performance and safety standards.

What Individuals and Communities Can Do

Emami stresses that grid resilience is not solely the responsibility of utilities or regulators. Communities and individuals can take proactive steps to support long-term reliability and safety:

  • Stay informed about local infrastructure projects and public utility initiatives.

  • Support workforce development programs in engineering, construction, and skilled trades.

  • Encourage young students to explore STEM education and careers in infrastructure.

  • Practice personal energy preparedness, including emergency planning during outages.

  • Advocate for long-term infrastructure investment policies focused on safety and resilience.

"Clarity eliminates confusion-and confusion is the enemy of productivity," Emami said. "The same applies to infrastructure planning. Long-term thinking protects communities."

A Call for Disciplined Leadership

Drawing on decades of experience overseeing projects ranging from 69kV to 230kV underground transmission systems for major utilities, Emami believes the next era of grid development must prioritize accountability as much as innovation.

"Even great technical teams can struggle without strong financial systems and operational discipline," he noted. "Great infrastructure is built on both engineering execution and financial strength."

His message is clear: modernization must be responsible, safety-driven, and rooted in long-term value.

"Success means lifting others while you advance," Emami said. "The measure of a life is not what we build, but who we lift along the way."

About Dianoush Dion Emami

Dianoush "Dion" Emami is the Chief Executive Officer of Parkia, Inc., an engineering and construction firm specializing in high-voltage transmission and underground electrical infrastructure. With more than four decades of experience in the utility energy sector, his career includes leadership roles at Bechtel Power Corporation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and Henkels & McCoy, Inc. Emami holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California and maintains multiple professional engineering and construction licenses. He is also an active philanthropist supporting medical research and humanitarian organizations.

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SOURCE: Dianoush Emami



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