Los Angeles, CA – August 19, 2026 – As electricity demand continues to rise across the United States, utility executive Dianoush “Dion” Emami is encouraging business leaders, policymakers, and aspiring engineers to take a longer view of the nation’s energy infrastructure. After more than 40 years leading engineering and construction projects throughout the western United States, Emami believes the industry’s greatest challenge is not simply building new transmission systems, but building the skilled workforce and disciplined leadership needed to support them for decades to come.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity demand in the United States is expected to continue growing as transportation, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence place greater demands on the power grid. At the same time, the Department of Energy estimates that expanding and modernizing transmission infrastructure will require significant investment over the coming decades to improve reliability and resilience.
“Success is building things that last, companies, systems, relationships, and reputations, while staying accountable to your values,” says Emami. “Infrastructure should never be viewed as a short-term project. The decisions we make today will affect communities for generations.”
Throughout his career, Emami has worked on nuclear power facilities, municipal utility systems, and high-voltage underground transmission projects serving major utilities across the western United States. Today, as Chief Executive Officer of Parkia, Inc., he oversees complex engineering and construction projects ranging from 69kV to 230kV transmission systems.
While technology continues to transform the industry, Emami believes people remain the foundation of every successful project.
“Investing in people before projects is one of the most important decisions any organization can make,” he says. “When you build strong people, they build strong projects.”
The need for experienced engineers has become increasingly urgent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electrical engineers is expected to grow steadily over the next decade, while many experienced professionals approach retirement. The industry also faces growing pressure to modernize aging infrastructure while maintaining reliability and safety.
For Emami, those challenges reinforce the importance of disciplined leadership.
“When everything feels important, nothing actually is,” he says. “Prioritization restores clarity.”
He also believes accountability must remain central to engineering leadership.
“I must be able to defend my decisions technically, legally, and ethically,” Emami says. “Safety and integrity cannot become secondary to speed.”
What Individuals Can Do
While large infrastructure projects require government agencies, utilities, and private industry to work together, Emami believes individuals can also help strengthen the future of the energy sector.
He encourages people to:
Learn how electricity reaches their communities.
Support STEM education and engineering programs.
Consider careers in engineering, construction, and skilled trades.
Appreciate the importance of infrastructure maintenance, even when it goes unnoticed.
Advocate for long-term investment rather than short-term fixes.
“Success means lifting others while you advance,” Emami says. “You don’t chase applause. You chase competence, integrity, and permanence.”
Emami hopes more young professionals will view engineering as an opportunity to solve meaningful problems while making a lasting impact on society.
For more information about careers in engineering and electrical infrastructure, visit the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to explore educational resources and career pathways.
About Dianoush “Dion” Emami
Dianoush “Dion” Emami is the Chief Executive Officer of Parkia, Inc., with more than 40 years of experience in engineering and construction for the utility energy sector. He has led major electrical transmission and distribution projects for utilities across the western United States, including LADWP, Southern California Edison, PG&E, SDG&E, and APS. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a degree in Electrical Engineering, Emami is recognized for his commitment to safety, technical excellence, and developing the next generation of engineering leaders.
Media ContactCompany Name: Dianoush EmamiContact Person: Dianoush EmamiEmail: Send EmailCity: Los AngelesState: CaliforniaCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://www.dianoush-emami.com/
