Blog
Access valuable resources designed specifically for electricians and contractors in the Pacific Northwest. Stay ahead of the curve with our real-time updates on industry trends, innovations, and regional news.
Contact
Email – info@necaibew48.com
NECA – orecolneca.org | info@orecolneca.org
IBEW 48 – ibew48.com | info@necaibew48.com
Training Center – nietc.org
About
For over a century, NECA/IBEW Local 48’s electricians have helped build Oregon and SW Washington. NECA and IBEW Local 48 have partnered in labor-management relations to lead the region’s electrical industry, working on such high-profile projects as the Rose Garden Arena (now the Moda Center), Portland International Airport, Tilikum Crossing and MAX Light Rail stations.
Our contractors are located in: Astoria, Banks, Battleground, Beaverton, Clackamas, Estacada, Fairview, Forest Grove, Garibaldi, Gresham, Happy Valley, Hillsboro, Hood River, Longview, Manning, Milwaukie, Molalla, Mulino, North Plains, Oregon City, Portland, Salem, Sandy, Scappoose, The Dalles, Tigard, Troutdale, Tualatin, Vancouver, Vernonia, Warrenton, and Yamhill.
DERs Are Reshaping the Grid: Here’s What’s Happening
BlogEnergy awareness is growing fast among both homeowners and business owners. In the Northwest alone, energy demand is expected to double by 2046, fueled by automation, electrification, and the ongoing push to save on energy costs. This surge in demand means the power grid needs to evolve, and electrical professionals will be at the forefront. […]
Where Are We at with the “Electrification of Everything”?
BlogThe push toward electrification in the Pacific Northwest isn’t new; it has been decades in the making. Climate directives, renewable energy investments, and a growing tech sector have all set the stage. Today, the “electrification of everything” is no longer just a concept; it is happening now, reshaping how we live, work, and move. Across […]
2026 Electrical Industry Outlook: Changes, Challenges & Possibilities
BlogThe electrical industry is heading into 2026 with mixed signals. Economic uncertainty, stalled projects, and challenges and unpredictability in the labor market are creating concerns within the community. At the same time, the push toward electrification needs the electrical workforce to help with infrastructure to meet rising energy demand. The State of Commercial & Residential […]
Off the Clock, Still Carrying the Load: Navigating Life Stress in the Trades
BlogThe electrical trade can be a high-pressure environment that involves managing complex systems and maintaining high safety standards. The link between workplace challenges and stress in the industry has been well-established. However, the whole picture encompasses much more than job-site pressures. Personal stressors outside of work don’t pause when people clock in. Life happens, and […]
What Role Will Electricians Play in the Growth of Thermal Energy Networks (TENs)?
BlogAcross the Pacific Northwest, cities are reimagining how buildings are powered and kept comfortable. Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) are rising as a cleaner, more efficient alternative to traditional heating and cooling systems, and they’re opening the door for electrical professionals to take the lead in shaping the future of building energy. What are Thermal Energy […]
2026 & Beyond: Trends Shaping the Electrical Industry’s Future
BlogThe electrical profession is experiencing a wealth of exciting technological innovations, operational changes, and market shifts, as well as transforming energy systems and infrastructure. Understanding these transformations provides electrical professionals with invaluable insight into the industry’s modernization efforts in 2026 and beyond, thereby helping them remain competitive in an evolving marketplace. 4 Trends Shaping the […]
Inside Fault-Managed Power: Evolving Standards, Smarter Installs, New Possibilities
BlogFault-Managed Power (FMP) is more than a breakthrough; it’s reshaping the future of electrical systems. As customer expectations rise and safety standards evolve, FMP is opening new doors for electrical professionals to grow their skills, services, and competitive edge. In this blog, we’ll break down how this emerging technology is transforming the way we deliver […]
Hear From Our Members: Real Stories About the Impact of NECA-IBEW Local 48
BlogEvery electrical system across the Pacific Northwest is powered by skilled professionals with meaningful stories to tell. Thanks to the partnership between the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of NECA and IBEW Local 48, our strength comes from the people who bring unmatched dedication and craftsmanship to the job day in and day out. In Their Own Words: […]
Can Solar-Powered & All-Electric Homes Stand Up to Severe Weather?
BlogAs more homeowners switch to solar energy and electrification, a big question is coming up: are these systems ready to handle extreme weather? According to an article in Electrical Contractor Magazine, over a quarter of U.S. homes are already fully electrified and solar installations are expected to triple in the next five years. This means […]
2026 Trends in Industrial Electrification: Smarter, Cleaner, Faster
BlogEnergy demand in the Pacific Northwest is expected to double by 2046, fueled by rapid growth in data centers, electric vehicles, building electrification, semiconductor manufacturing, and green hydrogen production, an energy-intensive process that uses electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. In response, many industrial facilities are exploring electric systems as a way to […]