Articles from IBEW News

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The Business End of the Case for Microgrids: How Multi-DER Systems Deliver Measurable Value

Examination of the business case for microgrids with multiple distributed energy resources, demonstrating how these systems deliver measurable economic and operational value through enhanced reliability and flexibility. Multi-DER microgrids combine solar, battery storage, generators, and advanced controls to provide resilient power while reducing costs and improving efficiency. The growing adoption of microgrid technology creates substantial demand for electrical workers with expertise in complex power systems, renewable integration, energy management systems, and the specialized electrical work required for distributed energy installations. Source: energytech.com

https://www.energytech.com/distributed-energy/article/55320252/the-business-end-…

World's First Ultra-Long Duration Hybrid Battery And Hydrogen Microgrid Launches

Energy Vault and Pacific Gas and Electric launched the world's first ultra-long duration hybrid microgrid combining battery storage and hydrogen fuel cell technology for extended backup power capability. The groundbreaking system represents a major advancement in energy storage, providing days or weeks of backup power rather than hours from conventional batteries. This innovative hybrid approach requires specialized electrical work for complex power management, hydrogen systems integration, and advanced control systems, creating new opportunities for electrical workers to develop expertise in cutting-edge energy storage technologies. Source: chemanalyst.com

https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/energy-vault-and-pg-e-launc…

Pres Cooper: The War on Wind Power (EW)

IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper warns that recent legislation eliminating tax incentives for wind, solar, and hydrogen projects will cancel many clean energy initiatives putting IBEW members to work while also increasing electricity bills for American families. Cooper calls the "One Big Beautiful Bill" irresponsible for its impact on working families and union jobs. Source: ibew.org

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/war-on-wind-power/?ref=ew

Sec-Treas Noble: Union Care (EW)

International Secretary-Treasurer Paul A. Noble highlights how the IBEW/NECA Family Medical Care Plan addresses rising healthcare costs that now consume 18% of the U.S. economy. The plan, designed by IBEW members for IBEW members, operates without bloated overhead or millionaire CEOs, covering over 190 locals and 450 employers with premiums below industry average while adding or improving benefits 135 times since inception. Source: ibew.org

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/union-care/?ref=ew

Convention Center Victory Means More Jobs for IBEW Members

IBEW Local 11 celebrates a major victory as the LA Convention Center expansion project moves forward after years of effort. The project will create dozens of immediate job calls ramping up to several hundred positions over the coming months, with completion targeted for the 2028 Olympics. Business Manager Robert Corona credits the powerful labor and business coalition for getting this project across the finish line. Source: ibew11.org

https://ibew11.org/2025/09/convention-center-victory-means-more-jobs-for-ibew-11…

Openness, Passion Helped This Member Evolve Into a Leader (EW)

Melissa Reyes of Charlotte Local 379 shares her unconventional journey from running away at 15 to becoming a respected organizing leader in North Carolina. The daughter of immigrants, Reyes led a major organizing effort at a Westinghouse nuclear fuel plant and now serves as an organizer for Local 379, using her energy, persistence, and commitment to justice to advocate for working families in one of the least union-friendly states. Source: ibew.org

https://ibew.org/electrical_worker/openness-passion-helped-this-nc-member-evolve…

New IBEW Training Facility Opens

The Jonesboro Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, in partnership with IBEW Local 1516 and the National Electrical Contractors Association, celebrates the opening of a new 10,200 square foot training facility in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The facility provides additional classrooms and hands-on learning labs, coinciding with the apprenticeship program's approval to reduce from a 5-year/900-hour program to a 4-year/720-hour program. Source: kait8.com

https://www.kait8.com/2025/09/09/new-electrical-union-training-facility-opens/

Counties Collaborate on Work to Support Climate-Resilient Buildings

Regional counties are working together on initiatives to develop climate-resilient building standards and construction practices that can withstand extreme weather events and environmental challenges. The collaborative effort focuses on updated building codes, energy-efficient electrical systems, and sustainable construction methods that create opportunities for skilled electrical workers in green building technologies. The partnership represents growing demand for specialized electrical work in renewable energy integration, smart building systems, and climate adaptation infrastructure across the region. Source: kcemployees.com

https://kcemployees.com/2025/09/26/counties-across-region-collaborating-on-work-…

UN Summit Increases Momentum to COP30

The United Nations Climate Summit is building momentum toward the COP30 climate conference, with increased focus on global infrastructure investments and renewable energy development that will create significant opportunities for electrical workers worldwide. The summit discussions include massive green infrastructure projects, electrical grid modernization, and renewable energy installations that align with IBEW members' expertise in power systems, solar installation, wind energy, and smart grid technologies. The global climate commitments represent unprecedented demand for skilled electrical labor in the transition to clean energy systems. Source: wmo.int

https://wmo.int/media/news/un-climate-summit-increases-momentum-cop30

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