For Enrique Blanco, electricity isn’t just a utility—it’s a lifeline. And for him, working in the energy sector is more than a career; it’s a personal mission rooted in family, community, and resilience.
From Blackouts to Breakthroughs
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Enrique experienced firsthand the impact of unreliable energy. “It wasn’t unusual to go several days without power in some areas,” he recalls. Those early experiences shaped his understanding of how vital electricity is—not just for comfort, but for opportunity, safety, and connection.
“Electricity is a gift,” Enrique says. “When the lights go out, everything stops. When they come back, you realize how much of a blessing it is. I wanted to be one of the people behind the scenes making sure families, including my own, could count on that gift every day.”
Climbing the Ladder, One Circuit at a Time
Enrique began his career in support roles, absorbing everything he could about the systems that keep the grid running. Today, he’s a Substation Telecom Engineer at Rhode Island Energy, leading the design and troubleshooting of telecom and SCADA systems—the digital backbone of the modern grid.
As the energy landscape shifts toward renewables and smarter infrastructure, Enrique’s role has evolved with it. “Every day is different,” he says. “One day I’m designing circuits, the next I’m coordinating with field crews or solving a telecom issue. That variety keeps the work exciting.”
His success is built on three pillars: work ethic, curiosity, and communication. “Work ethic comes from my family—it’s who I am. Curiosity pushes me to keep learning in a field that’s always changing. And clear communication is vital when you’re working across teams and with crews in the field.”
Building a Smarter, Cleaner Grid
One of Enrique’s proudest achievements was helping integrate renewable energy into the grid by setting up the necessary telecom and SCADA communications. “It felt good knowing we were supporting cleaner energy while still protecting reliability for the community.”
His work ensures that the grid can respond instantly to changes and challenges. “Telecom and SCADA are like the nervous system of the grid. Without them, it wouldn’t function safely or reliably.”
Looking Ahead: Innovation Meets Integrity
Enrique sees the future of energy as a balancing act between innovation and reliability. “The challenge is bringing in new technologies while keeping reliability strong. Families depend on electricity—it can’t be optional.”
His team is tackling that challenge by reinforcing the grid’s communication backbone. “SCADA and telecom systems make it possible to adapt, respond, and keep the grid safe as it evolves.”
Rooted in Family, Driven by Purpose
At the heart of Enrique’s work is a deep sense of personal responsibility. “It’s personal. When I think of my own family, I know how important it is that the lights and heat stay on.”
His advice to those entering the energy field is simple but powerful:
“Work hard, stay humble, and don’t forget the people behind the systems.”
