ST. LOUIS – For the 22^nd year, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection partnership again marshaled its workforce to make free home repairs and improvements for St. Louisans who are older adults, veterans and individuals with disabilities. It is all part of an enduring partnership with Rebuilding Together St. Louis.  Skilled IBEW Local 1 electricians evaluated electrical infrastructure needs in 15 homes including three owned by veterans of the armed services. On April 12, 2025, 77 volunteers were dispatched to make numerous improvements and fix electrical hazards in the homes. The effort was supported by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local No. 1 and the St. Louis Chapter, National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) which unites to form the Electrical Connection.

The volunteer effort began with breakfast at the IBEW Local Union Hall and planning the day’s work.  Missouri State Representative Steve Butz addressed the workforce before scores of IBEW electricians and 28 NECA and IBEW-signatory contractors fanned out from the union hall to make the repairs.  “It is quite an impressive sight – multiple member contractor trucks lined up at the union hall with their workforce eager to serve,” noted Kyle McKenna, executive vice president, St. Louis Chapter NECA. “Every volunteer is dedicated to ensure all installations are skillfully delivered and in compliance with the National Electrical Code.”

“We rely each year on IBEW/NECA skills to help identify needs and install electrical wiring and fixtures that comply with safety codes,” said Elaine Powers, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together St. Louis.  “The homeowners we serve have the peace of mind knowing that electrical repairs and improvements are performed correctly by the IBEW/NECA team.”

Many of the hazards encountered by the IBEW/NECA workforce were hidden behind walls including exposed wires.  Overtaxed circuits and circuit panels, some improperly installed by an amateur, were repaired and brought up to code.   The IBEW/NECA partnership also installed new lighting, ceiling fans and other fixtures, helping to improve safety and security for our neighbors.

“Supporting Rebuilding Together St. Louis is our largest annual initiative to give back to the St. Louis communities we have been privileged to serve for nearly 135 years,” noted Frank Jacobs, business manager, IBEW Local 1. “Our IBEW Local 1 men and women inspire by their dedication and willingness to give up a Saturday every spring to help the less fortunate.”

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.  Last year, the St. Louis Business Journal saluted the IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection with an Innovation in Philanthropy Award.

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 more than 30 years Rebuilding Together St. Louis has provided free home repair to low income homeowners, including older adults and veterans, so they may remain safe and comfortab in their own homes. Since its founding, the organization has rehabbed more than 4,500 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.