ST. LOUIS – The IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership donated services and materials to upgrade wiring in its 600^th home for low-income, disabled, and elderly St. Louisans as part of an enduring partnership with Rebuilding Together St. Louis.  For the 21^st year, an army of volunteer electricians and electrical contractors made improvements, including eliminating electrical hazards, to 15 homes in St. Louis.  The partnership is comprised of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

 On April 20th, 2024, more than 200 IBEW Local 1 electricians and 18 NECA and IBEW-signatory contractors fanned out from the IBEW Union Hall to make the repairs.  Among the 15 homes repaired were three owned by veterans of the armed services.  KTVI covered the volunteer effort as did KSKD.

“It is especially valuable to have the IBEW/NECA experience in installing electrical wiring and fixtures that comply with safety codes,” said Elaine Powers, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together St. Louis.  “We often encounter electrical hazards that can create unsafe living conditions.  IBEW/NECA ensures repairs are performed correctly.”

The dangers are often hidden behind walls including exposed wires.  IBEW/NECA also encounters overtaxed circuits and circuit panels that were improperly installed by an amateur.   In addition to fixing electrical hazards, the IBEW/NECA partnership also installed new lighting, ceiling fans and other fixtures.

Since 2003, the Electrical Connection has donated more than $2.3 million in labor and materials to improve more than 600 homes for low-income, disabled, and elderly St. Louisans.  Earlier this month, the St. Louis Business Journal saluted the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection with an Innovation in Philanthropy Award.  In his address to the volunteer workforce, St. Louis Chapter NECA Executive Vice President Kyle McKenna noted, “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of each and everyone in this room, and I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have generously donated your time this Saturday to help those in need.”  Missouri State Senator Karla May, in whose district many of the repairs took place, also thanked the volunteers.

The Electrical Connection represents the largest number of licensed commercial and residential electrical contractors and skilled electricians in the region with a searchable data base at www.electricalconnection.org.

Electrical Connection, NECA and IBEW signatory contractors who donated service trucks and tools in the Rebuilding Together effort this year included:

For 30 years Rebuilding Together St. Louis has provided free home repair to low income homeowners, including older adults and veterans, so they may remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. Since its founding, the organization has rehabbed more than 4,000 homes; 70 community spaces and touched more than 57,000 lives. For more information visit www.RebuildingTogether-STL.org or call 314-918-9918.

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  Find a contractor near you in the Electrical Connection contractor database.