PEARL RIVER – An economic impact study conducted by HR&A Advisors found that Orange and Rockland Utilities contributes $1.9 billion annually to New York’s and New Jersey’s economies. The utility also supports more than 3,400 jobs through direct employees and additional jobs that are generated through the company’s economic activity.
O&R President Robert Sanchez said the utility is “building the grid of the future to provide our New York and New Jersey customers with safe, reliable, clean energy. By hiring a diverse workforce, creating an inclusive workplace, and supporting the trades, local businesses, and women and minority business enterprises, we’re also supporting the values of the communities we serve.”
The study found that in 2022, Orange and Rockland Utilities paid $159 million in state and local taxes in New York, and $25 million in state and local taxes in New Jersey. That’s enough tax revenue to pay 2,300 public school teachers or 2,800 social workers.
Over 95 percent of O&R employees live in New York or New Jersey. The typical O&R employee works at the company for 14 years, more than twice the national industry average. Across O&R’s workforce, the study found that 27 percent of employees identify as female and 28 percnt as people of color, both higher than the national averages.
Approximately 52 percent of O&R’s employees are union members of IBEW Local 503. That number is 2.5 times the industry average, the study said.
