Apr 30, 2026
Prince George Electric Cooperative recently hosted its inaugural “Amped Up: Day in the Life” Youth Event, bringing together 11 high school juniors and seniors alongside school representatives and vendors from various organizations including: Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC), Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), Milwaukee, Eastern Sales Associates, and Utility Service Agency, for a hands-on, future-focused experience.
Designed to inspire and inform the next generation of the workforce, the event gave students a firsthand look at careers in the electric cooperative industry—while emphasizing the importance of planning early and pursuing purpose-driven paths.
PGEC CEO Sarat Yellepeddi opened the event with a powerful message about intentional growth and long-term success.
“People who work hard and are inspired each day to do what they feel their purpose is, make the greatest impact between the age of 20–25 and enjoy the impact they have made for a lifetime. That takes knowledge and wisdom. Spend the time you have in your youth wisely to set yourself up for success.”
Students also heard from PGEC’s Vice President of Engineering and Operations, Josh Krenicky, who shared his journey from Journeyman Lineman to executive leadership. His story underscored the value of perseverance, growth, and stepping outside of comfort zones.
“As you embark on your life journey, don’t be afraid to walk out on the limb and take risks. Because if you never take risks, you’ll never fully know who you could be. It takes courage to climb when others stay on the ground. It takes discipline to train when no one else is watching. It takes real pride to know that your work keeps entire communities moving forward.”
PGEC Senior Communications Specialist Brittany Tann emphasized the broader impact of cooperative work and the vital role lineworkers play in community development.
“The electric cooperative model is about more than delivering power—it’s about empowering people and strengthening communities. Line work is just one piece of a much bigger picture. Every role within a cooperative contributes to keeping families connected, businesses running, and communities thriving.”
SVCC Workforce Counselor Matt Dunn shared his perspective on the impact of the event and its value to students exploring career pathways.
“I was impressed with the buy-in from the PGEC team as a whole. Presentations were detailed, informative and held the attention of the students. The outdoor demonstrations were ultra hands-on and intensely challenging. PGEC provided a fantastic event that was uber beneficial for the students. I see this event catching ‘fire’ in the near future.”
Representatives from Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) also contributed valuable insights into industry opportunities and the evolving energy landscape.
PGEC Manager of HR and Communications Jill McKenzie highlighted the significance of engaging students early and building awareness of career opportunities. “This event was an incredible success, and it’s exactly the kind of engagement we need to cultivate the next generation of our workforce. As an HR professional, it’s important to create opportunities for students to see themselves in these careers and understand the pathways available to them.”
Throughout the day, students interacted with industry professionals, explored career options, and gained a deeper understanding of how electric cooperatives like PGEC power not only homes—but futures.
With its strong debut, “Amped Up: Day in the Life” sets the stage for continued investment in youth engagement and workforce development—ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders are informed, inspired, and ready to make an impact.