The Defense Production Act and the Power Grid: Navigating Political Shifts in Infrastructure
The recent invocation of the Defense Production Act (DPA) signals a monumental shift in how the United States views energy infrastructure. Traditionally a tool for wartime mobilization, the DPA is now being leveraged to secure domestic energy supply chains, from oil and gas to the critical minerals required for the power grid. For the utility industry, this move elevates energy projects from standard commercial builds to matters of national security. [...]
Corey Vurik Celebrates 3 Years: Mastering the Mix
Today, we are celebrating the 3-year anniversary of Corey Vurik, our Mobile Batch Plant Operator at the Esmeralda plant in Tonopah, Nevada. Corey’s transition from a long-time truck driver to a skilled concrete professional is a testament to the opportunities available when you’re willing to get your hands dirty and learn a new craft. Trading the Open Road for the Batch Plant Originally from Oceanside, California, Corey spent 14 years [...]
Grid Modernization: Why Specialized Civil Contractors are Key to Future-Proofing Power Infrastructure
The North American power grid is undergoing its most significant transformation since its inception. As we transition toward a more decentralized, renewable, and data-heavy energy landscape, the pressure on existing infrastructure has reached a breaking point. For utility providers, the challenge isn't just about upgrading hardware, it’s about future-proofing the foundation. At Grade Tech, we know that grid modernization starts in the dirt. As specialized civil contractors, we are the [...]
Kicen Keller Celebrates 3 Years: From Laborer to Foreman, One Lesson at a Time
In the "dirt world," success isn't handed to you—it’s built. Today, we are proud to celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Kicen Keller, a Foreman whose rapid ascent at Grade Tech is a testament to what happens when you pair a strong work ethic with a hunger for knowledge. Building a Foundation in the Trades Kicen’s journey began in West Jordan, Utah. While most high school seniors were trying to figure [...]
The Majors are Calling: Grade Tech Takes on CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026
In the world of utility civil construction, you either move with the technology or you get left in the dust. This March, the Grade Tech Power Services (GTPS) leadership team descended on Las Vegas for CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the largest construction trade show in North America. Our mission was simple: Always Be Learning. As the demand for power infrastructure reaches unprecedented levels—driven by the explosion of AI and massive data center [...]
Issac Gonzalez Celebrates 3 Years: Leading the Charge Across the West
At Grade Tech, we don’t just look for people who can do the work; we look for people who are willing to "jump in head first." We are proud to celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Issac Gonzalez, a Foreman who has turned his passion for travel and hard work into a thriving leadership career. A Career Built on the Road Issac’s journey in the trades began in South Dakota, where [...]
Josh Skinner Celebrates 3 Years at Grade Tech: Building a Career on Curiosity and Concrete
At Grade Tech, we often say that we don't just hire for a season; we hire for a career. We look for individuals who don’t just follow instructions, but who "actively chase" the why behind the work. We are proud to celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Josh Skinner, our Concrete Operations and QC Manager for the Mobile Batch Plant Division. Josh’s journey from behind the wheel of a mixer truck [...]
Mitigating Risk in Critical Infrastructure: Grade Tech’s Zero-Tolerance Approach to Substation Safety
In the utility sector, the stakes of civil construction are measured in more than just dollars—they are measured in lives and grid reliability. When working within the "hot" environment of a live substation or on a massive switchyard expansion, there is zero margin for error. For utility owners and project managers, risk management is the primary driver of contractor selection. At Grade Tech Power Services (GTPS), we don’t just "follow" [...]
Beyond the Blueprint: How Drone Mapping Saves Utilities $1.7M+ on Civil Projects
In the mission-critical world of utility and power infrastructure, efficiency is more than a cost-saving measure—it's a requirement for grid stability and project success. However, traditional civil earthwork processes—relying on manual survey teams, expensive change orders, and delayed progress reports—are often a bottleneck. At Grade Tech Power Services, we recognized that the blueprint for success needed an upgrade. By integrating advanced drone mapping and photogrammetry into our workflow, we’ve transformed [...]
More Than Just a Job: Building a Lifelong Career in the Dirt World with Grade Tech Power Services
In the world of civil construction, it's easy to bounce from one seasonal gig to the next. For many, that's just the rhythm of the "dirt world." But what if you're looking for more? What if you're ready to build something that lasts longer than a single project — a career, a future, a real home within a company? At Grade Tech Power Services, we believe that skilled work deserves [...]