In an uncertain economy, every dollar counts — and for utilities and industrial firms, the temptation to cut training budgets is strong. But when it comes to electrical systems, that’s a gamble few can afford.
Electrical failures cost U.S. facilities over $1.5 billion annually in direct damage, not to mention the ripple effects of downtime, safety risks, and regulatory penalties. A single outage in a manufacturing plant can cost more than $1 million per hour, and with NFPA 70B now mandating preventive maintenance, companies are under pressure to ensure their systems — and their teams — are up to code.
Compounding the issue is the rising cost of replacement parts. Tariffs on transformers, switchgear, and copper wiring have driven prices up by 20–25%, while global supply chain delays often mean lead times have tripled. For many, replacing aging infrastructure isn’t just expensive. It’s nearly impossible.
This is where electrical technicians come in. Properly trained technicians can extend the life of existing systems, detect faults before they escalate, and reduce reliance on costly external contractors. In fact, companies that invest in technician training see higher operational resilience, better safety records, and a stronger bottom line.
Another cost to consider is turnover. Replacing a skilled technician can cost more than $5,000 in recruitment and onboarding alone, not to mention lost productivity and institutional knowledge. Many employees cite a lack of career development as a key reason for leaving. When companies fail to invest in their people, they risk losing them altogether.
Providing quality technical training can help organizations turn today’s electrical challenges into opportunities. Hands-on programs focused on maintenance, diagnostics, testing, safety, and compliance prepare technicians to be the frontline defense against costly failures and tariff-driven delays.
NFPA TRAINING
At the heart of this mission is a simple truth. Electrical training matters for three major reasons: life, health, and safety — for your team and for the equipment they rely on every day.
Training your technicians on NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®, and NFPA 70B®, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance®, is vitally important. NFPA 70E teaches how to work safely around live electrical systems, helping prevent arc flash incidents, electrocution, and other serious hazards. NFPA 70B, now a mandatory standard, is focused on keeping equipment in top shape through structured maintenance programs that reduce the risk of breakdowns, fires, and downtime. Used together, these standards help organizations stay compliant, protect their people, and keep operations running smoothly.
In today’s economy, training isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategic necessity.
REFERENCES
- T. McGree. “Fire in Industrial or Manufacturing Properties,” NFPA Research | Building and Life Safety, September 1, 2023.
- S. Brown. “How Do New Tariffs Affect Electrical Contractors? 2025 News,” BuildForce.
- Sumito Drive Technologies. Cost of Downtime in Industrial Manufacturing and the Value of Proactive Maintenance, April 2025.
- Expert Panel®, Forbes Councils Member. “20 Tech Experts on How to Boost Operational Resilience,”Forbes Technology Council, April 23, 2025.
- Wire Reports. “The Cost of Technician Turnover and How to Prevent It,” aftermarketMATTERS, November 19, 2024.
Emily Alcantar is Strategy Head of Marketing & Communications at AVO Training Institute in Dallas, Texas.