Background of the ITC Energy Consortium:

Research printed in The Review of Regional Studies, Vol. 40, No 1, 2010 points out that in 2005, the Rocky Mountain States (Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming) average annual wage per job was about $4,000 less than the U.S. average. In 2009, Idaho’s average wage per job was $10,700 less.  The research specifically points to the cause of this deterioration as a significant loss of jobs in the high paying technology sector.  It’s clear the IT technology sector has been an economic mainstay for Idaho.  This sector has matured and companies such as Micron, HP and Zilog have permanently shed thousands of jobs.  Clearly we would benefit from replacing the lost technology-worker jobs with similar jobs and wages.

Naturally economic development is a key topic in virtually every state.  Many regions of the country are looking to develop or attract high-growth industry segments.  Within the state of Idaho, we have developed specific competencies that match well with certain growth sectors and not others.  Our history with HP, Micron and their many spin-offs has established a strong electrical and mechanical engineering talent pool as well as a large base of light manufacturing talent.  These companies have also been the driving force in the establishment of the excellent electrical and mechanical engineering programs in the State’s universities.  Idaho is unique in having a large Federal energy research capacity in the form of INL and CAES.  We also have a great heritage in energy services with organizations such as Power Engineers being head quartered here.  Finally, we have progressive utilities anxious to engage in economic development.

The workforce, universities, research and other resources within the state are a direct match with the rapidly growing segment of solid-state energy production, efficiency and demand management devices.  We also have the consulting expertise in the state to help organizations assimilate these new technologies. There are already a surprisingly large number of energy technology companies growing here and leveraging the talent pool.  Recently, Enphase Energy of Petaluma, CA decided to locate the company’s technical support operation in Idaho.  Enphase Energy is the world’s leading provider of devices that allow solar-generated electricity to be placed back on the grid. They directly cited the workforce as a primary reason to build a key part of their business in ID.

Goals of the ITC Energy Consortium:

Given the momentum and alignment to State competencies, the energy technology segment offers an excellent opportunity to grow high-paying jobs in Idaho.  To help achieve this, the Idaho Technology Council has assembled a group of business, research and academic leaders focused on energy technology.  This group is working toward the following goals:

1. To encourage the flow of ideas and expertise, we will create a network of energy experts and develop mechanisms for both formal and informal networking.
2. To help those focused on economic development, we will help create marketing messages and assemble supporting material that demonstrates the State’s clear advantages as it relates to the business of energy technology.
3. To help align those speaking on behalf of the State and its advantages in energy technology business, we will help facilitate a common understanding and message across participants.
4. We will form a common voice to advocate on behalf of the growing energy technology segment.

The ITC Energy Consortium is growing and evolving and will embrace new members and ideas.  Over time our goals may evolve but inherently we will always be focused on helping expand opportunities for our members and for the State as a whole.