NECA/IBEW 48 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.
CRE Market Trends in the Pacific Northwest
BlogCommercial real estate in the Pacific Northwest entered 2026 with a mix of caution and opportunity. While some sectors continue to face economic uncertainty and slower development timelines, others are seeing significant investment driven by infrastructure demand, industrial expansion, and technology growth. CRE Market Trends in the Pacific Northwest 2026 The Pacific Northwest commercial real […]
The State of Residential Construction in the Pacific Northwest
BlogThe Pacific Northwest electrical industry is navigating 2026 amid changing market conditions. While residential construction has slowed in some areas and financing costs remain elevated, long-term demand tied to electrification, infrastructure upgrades, and housing development continues to influence the future of the trade. Across Oregon and Washington, builders, developers, and homeowners are adapting to rising […]
What Data Centers Mean for Electricians in the Pacific Northwest
BlogData centers are expanding rapidly across the Pacific Northwest and the nation, and with that development comes a growing public conversation. For those in the construction and electrical trades, understanding the full picture helps inform how this sector fits into the region’s economic and environmental future. Data Centers and Jobs A common misconception is that […]
4 Top Construction Tech Trends in 2026
BlogFrom artificial intelligence to advanced project management platforms, construction in 2026 is being shaped by technology trends and innovations that are changing what projects are planned and how they’re delivered. Construction Industry Trends 2026: A Shifting Landscape Technology adoption in 2026 is less about experimentation and more about practical value. Contractors are prioritizing tools that […]
Is Construction Safety Keeping Up with Electrical Work?
BlogConstruction safety rules can change quickly. For electrical professionals, those changes hit close to home. Electrical work already carries unique risks, including energized systems, outdoor elements, tall buildings, and small spaces. Evolving safety standards directly affect how jobs are planned, staffed, and executed. The big question many contractors are asking is whether safety regulations are […]
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 […]