The first statewide Ohio Energy Solutions Summit was held Sept. 30 and included the dedication of a new wind turbine at the Toledo Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Center.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur and several local business and community leaders joined electrical contractors, workers and training instructors as they demonstrated how the Ohio Electrical Labor Management Cooperation Committee (OELMCC) is bringing energy efficiency and renewable energy technology to the area. The OELMCC includes state members of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
Also speaking at the event were NECA President Rex Ferry of VEC, Inc., Girard, OH, and NECA CEO John M. Grau. Several NECA members and staff also participated in the event.
“What we’re seeing here today is the next chapter for our industry,” Grau said. “Today, the driving force behind much of our economic growth is conservation and sustainability – how to keep the lights on when natural resources may be reaching their limits. However, for NECA and the IBEW – and most importantly, the people who use the electricity we help bring to their homes, businesses, schools and offices – the job remains true to our founding principle of bringing electricity to where it’s needed. Do it in a way that is safe. Do it in a way that doesn’t waste time or money.”
In 2009, the OELMCC received a $4.8 million “green energy” training grant (Ohio GROWs – Green and Renewable Opportunities for Workers) from the U.S. Dept. of Labor to train electrical journeymen and apprentices in the areas of wind turbines, photovoltaic systems and building automation. Since then, training has been taking place in 19 facilities throughout the state. The new wind turbine at the Toledo Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Facilitywas installed with assistance from the program.
Recently, the OELMCC was awarded an FMCS grant to educate Contractors and Journeymen in a “Facilities Energy Audit Program.” These seminars give them the tools to perform Preliminary Energy Assessments (PEAs) for new and existing clients, in order to help them become more energy efficient and reduce utility costs in their businesses.
Through these programs, electrical contractors and workers have learned that energy solutions combine energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy, integrated in a holistic way. “By looking at the big picture of energy use, the NECA/IBEW team can recommend and install the best overall solution to minimize energy use, maximize energy efficiency, and—if it makes sense for the property—create energy from solar, wind, or other renewable sources,” Ferry said.
More information about Ohio’s wind power generation program and videos featuring the Toledo wind training facility can be found at Ohio Energy Resources Division website, development.ohio.gov/Wind.