NECA

NECA Adopts Formal Policy on Energy Independence at Board of Governors Meeting

Organization Focuses on Green Building at 2008 Convention, Trade Show

As economic worries grow and energy prices continue to rise, the National Electrical Contractors Association's (NECA) Board of Governors adopted an association-wide formal and comprehensive policy on energy independence at its annual meeting, Oct. 4.

The policy encourages investment in renewable and alternative energy product, modernizing and securing the national electric grid, and actively working to decrease U.S. reliance on oil and energy resources from other countries.

“This policy formalizes the ongoing commitment and expertise that NECA member electrical contractors offers to the growing market of green construction,” explained NECA’s Executive Director of Marketing Rob Colgan in a presentation to the Board of Governors. “NECA was an early industry leader in the development of photovoltaic solar technologies and continues to provide comprehensive solutions to customers that address the need to conserve, utilize efficiently, and safely distribute domestic forms of clean energy.”

The formal resolution was recommended by participants an Energy Solutions Summit the organization hosted in July to explore the opportunities and existing expertise NECA members have already applied to the green construction market.

In addition to adopting the energy independence policy, NECA's annual convention and tradeshow are focusing on energy conservation and efficiency, green technology and renewable energy production. The “Green Alley” on the NECA Show floor spotlights environmentally-friendly products and services, and technical and management seminars on green electrical topics are a special education track for the convention.

“At NECA we aren’t just talking about the importance of green solutions. We are dedicated to providing the resources our members need to remain competitive in the ever-evolving green market,” acknowledged incoming NECA President Rex Ferry who presided over the Energy Solutions Summit and encouraged the Board of Governors to approve the proposed policy. Complete text of the resolution and adopted policy follows.

WHEREAS, the health and continued growth of the U.S. economy depend on reliable sources and distribution of electricity; and,
WHEREAS, sources to create that electricity should not be limited to a few existing fuels that are finite and exhaustible; and,
WHEREAS, electrical contractors are key to the creation, delivery and utilization of electricity.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED that NECA, through its Board of Governors, shall affirm its support for and acceptance of the following policy:

Policy 18
Energy Independence

The U.S. economy and national security depend on affordable, reliable electricity. The electrical industry advances economic growth and productivity, promotes business development and expansion, and provides solid employment opportunities to American workers — both directly and indirectly. Since electricity is the fuel that runs our homes and businesses, growth in the use of electricity has coincided with growth in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product ever since the end of World War II.

Our nation’s access to affordable, reliable electricity depends on the smooth performance of a complex system. That system includes the generation of power, transmission, distribution and the installation and maintenance of the systems within buildings. Each of these elements is interconnected. Then, too, electricity, in its origin and delivery, is connected to other sources of energy. Any breakdown in these connections could have disastrous impacts on both the economy and the security of our nation.

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) supports a multi-faceted approach to making the United States energy independent and commits its active participation in helping implement an energy policy premised on independence. Our association’s efforts include working within the legislative and regulatory arenas and with other relevant entities to help improve electric reliability and infrastructure investment, maintain the diversity of all available fuel resources including nuclear energy, enhance energy efficiency, and increase use of renewable energy sources. NECA also encourages traditional producers of energy to embrace new methods that would create jobs, increase resource yield, and promote environmental and economic sustainability.

Electrical contractors who construct and maintain the infrastructure to generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power play a key role in the move towards domestic energy independence. The electrical contractors of the United States will be vital in ensuring the independence, security, and prosperity of America’s economy.

NECA is the voice of the $130 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S. NECA’s national office and 119 local chapters advance the industry through advocacy, education, research and standards development. For more information, visit www.necanet.org

Contact Information

Beth Margulies, Director, Public Relations

301-215-4526, beth.margulies@necanet.org