ST. LOUIS – Leaders in energy development in Missouri met at the IBEW Local 1 Union Hall for an update on emerging trends in energy and economic development.  The IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection hosted the last in a series of the Missouri Energy Initiative’s Midwest Energy Policy Series (MEPS) on Dec. 9, 2025.  The Electrical Connection is a partnership of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

The comprehensive economic development focus connected energy industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals. A series of panel discussions explored workforce development issues, meeting rural economic development needs, the biggest economic development and energy stories, data center demand and the future of energy efficiency in a high-demand grid.

Leading the discussion on data center demand was Steve Willis, director, regulatory affairs, Ameren; Ben Campbell, assistant director, U.S. Department of Energy Central Onsite Energy Technical Assistance Partnership; and Heather Coil, senior manager state policy, Data Center Coalition. 

They noted the ongoing demand by businesses to store data in the cloud supported by data centers and the greater efficiencies over more antiquated individual storage closets for companies.  Additionally, discussions on how local communities can improve integration of large demands like co-locating with storage, solar, and combined heat and power opportunities. 

Tim Green, executive vice president, IBEW/NECA Electrical Connection is on the board of the Missouri Energy Initiative and noted the need to improve the electrical grid to serve business needs. “Every generation of our IBEW Local 1 workforce and NECA contractors sees new technology emerging that is a catalyst driving more efficiency for business and lifestyle needs,” noted Green. “It is our job at IBEW/NECA to ensure our workforce sets the pace for the highest skills and safety to deliver more reliable power to serve Missouri’s needs and today that is especially true of data centers.”

Founded in 1941, the IBEW/NECA Electrical Industry Training Cetner is the oldest of its kind in Missouri and has trained more highly skilled and safe electricians and communication technicians than any other program in the state.  

Members of the Electrical Connection provide safe and reliable electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world.  For more information visit www.electricalconnection.org.