For the third year, IBEW Local 1 is lacing them up and chasing the puck to build comradery… …have a little fun playing hockey.  The IBEW Shockers took on Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562 in an exhibition game that also raised money for Foundations for Divergent Minds, which supports those on the autism spectrum.  Eric Levy launched the hockey team as an apprentice and now serves as coach. Sophia Scarpace, daughter of IBEW’s Sam Scarpace, performed the ceremonial 'puck drop' with IBEW Business Manager Frank Jacobs and Local 562's Assistant Business Manager Brian Nichols after wowing the crowd with a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem. The spirited match was held at the St. Louis Mills hockey rink.

The ubiquitous hard hat has been around for more than 100 years, but now change is coming to increase safety with our IBEW/NECA contractors leading the way.  Guarantee Electrical has stepped to the forefront to begin using safety helmets to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.  Guarantee engaged in several years of rigorous beta testing, discussions, trials, and analysis before rolling out the innovative safety helmets for its entire team. The helmets are patterned after and look very much like rock climbing helmets.  They are secured by both a ratcheting suspension and securely fastened chin strap.  The helmets provide more lateral protection, shielding better from side and back blows to the head. They offer a wider field of vision, especially looking up and can accommodate attachable visors, ear protection and clip on headlamps. There are also classes of safety helmets that can offer electric shock protection from 2,200 to 20,000 volts.

What keeps the lights on, machinery running, and businesses and homes powered? Protective relays.  NECA contractor Midstate Energy calls them “the guardians of electrical systems. They continuously monitor the electrical power system and isolate elements, reducing the impact of faults, overloads, and short circuits.” They are “the first line of defense against catastrophic failures, ensuring that your power assets remain intact and operational.” But they must be maintained and that’s where MidStates Energy serves as the steward to ensure these silent guardians of power function properly. Through meticulous maintenance and comprehensive testing, Midstates makes sure that protective relays are not just functioning but optimizing electrical systems for peak performance. Learn more