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.
EV Market & the Electrical Industry: What’s Next?
BlogAccording to a recent study, the push to electrify transportation is accelerating faster than many realize. By 2030, the electric vehicle charging market will need to expand tenfold to support an estimated 27 million EVs on the road, and possibly 92 million by 2040. That means going from about 4 million charge points today to […]
Pacific Northwest Expecting Blackouts. What Does this Mean for Electricians?
BlogBlackouts are no longer a distant concern in the Pacific Northwest. News sources across the region are warning of increased strain on the power supply, especially during periods of extreme heat and cold. For those working in the electrical trades, this is more than a passing headline. It reflects real shifts in how power is […]
Guide to AI & the Electrical Industry: What You Should Know
BlogArtificial intelligence is already being used in electrical work, from smarter grids and connected equipment to software that supports estimating and project planning. For electricians and contractors, the question isn’t whether AI exists. It’s how it changes the work on the jobsite. Which tasks can it actually assist with, and which ones still rely on […]
How Pacific Northwest Electricians Maintain Safe, Efficient Water Infrastructure
BlogElectrical systems are at the heart of every water treatment and reclamation plant. Pumps, motors, variable frequency drives, control panels, and monitoring systems all rely on skilled electrical professionals to keep operations running safely and efficiently. But aging infrastructure, tight budgets, and weather disasters are putting extra strain on these systems. Across the Pacific Northwest, […]
The Impact of Climate Change on Electrical Work & Careers
BlogClimate change is reshaping how we generate, deliver, and use electricity. Across the Pacific Northwest, shifting weather patterns, rising temperatures, and increasing intensity of storms are testing the limits of our power systems and infrastructure. These challenges signal an emerging transformation in the electrical industry. New builds and retrofits will require professionals knowledgeable in supporting […]
What Roles Do Electricians Play in Cybersecurity & the Digital Age?
BlogThe role of electricians has always been about keeping systems safe, efficient, and reliable. In today’s connected world, that mission extends far beyond wiring and circuits. 48% of global business leaders are prioritizing data protection, calling for cybersecurity and electrical construction to be intertwined. Electricians in the digital age are now key players in network […]
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 […]