Updated: Jan 7
By Stephanie Corken, Jan 5, 2026
Welcome to 2026! This year marks NECA National’s 125th anniversary, a momentous occasion for our association!
As we head into the new year, this issue reflects what the Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter does best by bringing contractors together around real value. Below, you will find a recap of a strong Winter Membership Meeting at Salishan, important updates on safety compliance, upcoming education and member events, and practical insights into the market forces shaping 2026.
Everything here is built with one goal in mind: to support you with clear information, shared experiences, and tools you can actually use on the job and in the office. Thank you for staying engaged, showing up for one another, and continuing to strengthen our chapter and our industry.
Winter Membership Meeting Recap: A Strong Weekend for Our NECA Community
Our members gathered at Salishan for this year’s Winter Membership Meeting, and the weekend delivered exactly what makes this event so meaningful each year. We came together to learn, connect, celebrate, and strengthen the relationships that keep our industry moving forward.
The day began with The Leadership Spectrum led by Nic Bittle, giving contractors practical tools to support their teams and build stronger leaders in the field and office. The evening brought our community together for dinner, live music, raffles, and time to connect with familiar faces and new members across our region.
One of the highlights of the night was the generous support shown for our Political Action Committee. Thanks to you, we raised $8,605 that evening, bringing us to our goal of $11,500 and reinforcing our collective voice as we continue to advocate for fair policies and a strong electrical construction industry. Your participation makes a direct impact on how contractors are represented locally and nationally.
As always, thank you for showing up as partners in this work. This event reflects who we are as a chapter: committed, collaborative, and proud to support one another. Your engagement continues to strengthen the foundation of our community, and we appreciate every member who made the trip to be part of it.
Please mark your calendar for next year.Our 2026 Winter Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2026.
We look forward to building on this year’s momentum and welcoming you back for another meaningful weekend together.
📚Education & Safety Courses
IN PERSON:
💡 2026 MEP Innovation Conference | Austin, TX | January 26-28, 2026
👩💼 Women in NECA | Dallas, TX | February 2-4, 2026
🏛 Executive Management Institute | Washington, D.C. | February 10-14, 2026
🛠 NECA Emerge | Atlanta, GA | April 13-25
WEBINARS & VIRTUAL LEARNING:
🧭 Yearly Planning That Works: Build Your Vision and Goals for the Year Ahead | Jan. 13 | 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET
🎓 Worker’s Compensation Insurance SAIF | Webinars and Classroom Trainings available year-round:
OSHA 300 log | Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 10-11:30 a.m.
2026 National and State Economic Outlook | Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 10-11 a.m.
📐 Basic Estimating of Electrical Construction | Feb. 9-19 | 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET
🧮 Advanced Estimating Strategies | Feb. 9-12 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. ET
💡 PoE Lighting and Automation for Electrical Contractors – Part 2: Configuration, Testing, and Commissioning | Feb. 24 | 12:00-3:00 p.m. ETavailable year-round
Safety Committee Requirements Explained: Your Compliance Options
Safety on our jobsites isn’t optional. It’s foundational to how we protect our people, our companies, and our reputation as NECA electrical contractors. With that in mind, we’re reaching out to clearly explain your safety committee compliance options and what participation actually requires.
There are two compliant paths. Every contractor must choose one.
Option 1: Participate in the NECA / IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee (Recommended | Industry-built | Contractor-driven)
The Oregon Pacific-Cascade NECA Chapter, in partnership with IBEW Locals 280, 659, and 932, operates a Joint Innovative Safety Committee that meets Oregon OSHA requirements through an approved alternative structure.
Important clarification:Participation in the Joint Innovative Safety Committee is representative-based through designated contractor representatives, such as your accredited representative, when applicable. Contractors are not required to attend every meeting to remain compliant. Committee members represent the broader contractor group.
If you choose this option, contractors must:
Participate in the NECA/IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee through designated contractor representatives, as outlined in the program
Receive and review committee agendas and meeting minutes, which are posted on the Oregon Pacific-Cascade NECA member website and distributed to all participating contractors. Contractors who wish to receive safety committee meeting notices and minutes directly may request to be added to the distribution list by contacting Stephanie at your local NECA office.
Distribute safety information and materials provided by the committee to employees
Conduct required jobsite or shop safety meetings
Maintain required safety documentation and records
Follow all rules, structure, reporting, training, and documentation requirements outlined in the attached NECA/IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee Program
Remain responsible for accident investigations, reporting, and maintaining inspection records as required by the program.
Committee meetings are currently held as follows:
Local 280: Central Electrical Training Center — Fourth Thursday of each month, 4:00 PM
Local 659: Crater Lake Electrical Training Center — Fourth Tuesday of each month, 11:00 AM
Local 932: Pacific Inside Electrical JATC — Every other month, fourth Wednesday, 3:00 PM
This option allows contractors to:
Leverage a joint labor-management safety framework
Share best practices and lessons learned across the industry
Reduce duplication while maintaining full compliance
Strengthen collaboration with labor around real-world safety solutions
👉 Participation is voluntary, but if you opt in, you must follow this program’s requirements in full. The Joint Innovative Safety Committee does not replace general safety obligations.
Option 2: Do Not Participate and Follow Oregon OSHA Safety Committee Rules
If you choose not to participate in the NECA/IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee, your company must:
Establish and maintain its own safety committee or safety meeting structure
Fully comply with Oregon OSHA Rule 437-001-0765
Meet all Oregon OSHA requirements related to:
Committee structure and makeup
Meeting frequency
Training
Documentation and recordkeeping
Oregon OSHA’s requirements are outlined in the Oregon OSHA Safety Committees and Safety Meetings Guide.
The Bottom Line
✔ Every contractor must comply with Oregon OSHA safety committee requirements, either through the NECA/IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee or by following Oregon OSHA Rule 437-001-0765.✔ You have two compliant paths, but you must choose one❌ You cannot partially participate in the NECA/IBEW Joint Innovative Safety Committee and partially follow Oregon OSHA rules
Need Help Deciding?
Our role as your chapter is to support you, not complicate compliance.
If you have questions about:
Which option makes the most sense for your company
What participation in the Joint Innovative Safety Committee actually looks like
How to remain compliant with Oregon OSHA requirements
Please don't hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your business and your workforce.
Together, we keep our crews safe, our companies protected, and our industry moving forward.
Save the Date - Three Can’t-Miss Member Events!
One of the strengths of ORPAC NECA is the chance to step away from the jobsite, connect with peers, and spend real time with the people who understand this business. We’ve got three great member events coming up in 2026, each offering a different way to reconnect, recharge, and build relationships that matter.
⚾ Picnic at the Park – Eugene Emeralds Game
Friday, June 26, 2026 | Eugene Emeralds Field
Bring the family and join us for a summer evening at the ballpark. This NECA & IBEW Local 280-hosted event is all about celebrating our workforce with food, baseball, and time together.
Highlights include:
All-you-can-eat buffet
Eugene Emeralds vs. AquaSox
A family-friendly setting to connect across the industry
Game time is 6:30 PM, with more details to follow.
🚤 Hellgate Jetboat Excursion & Dinner
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Grants Pass
This is always a favorite. We’ll kick things off with a high-energy jetboat ride through Hellgate Canyon, followed by a relaxed group dinner at the Hellgate River Lodge.
Why members love it:
A fun, no-pressure setting to connect with fellow contractors
A memorable experience you won’t get at a meeting table
Great food and great company to cap off the day
Full details and registration will be shared closer to the event.
❄ Winter Holiday Meeting at Salishan
Saturday, December 5, 2026 | Salishan Coastal Lodge
Our annual winter gathering heads back to the coast for an evening that blends celebration with connection. Expect live music, dinner, and a chance to enjoy time with your peers and families as we wrap up the year together.
What to expect:
Great food, prizes, and raffles
A relaxed, festive atmosphere
A chance to reflect, reconnect, and enjoy the season
More details coming soon, but go ahead and save the date now!
Plan Ahead!
These events are built by contractors, for contractors, and they’re some of the best opportunities all year to strengthen relationships across our chapter.
Keep an eye on your inbox for registration links and reminders, and if you have any questions in the meantime, the chapter office is always here to help.
We look forward to seeing you out there!!
New Member Benefit: Industry Alliance Network (IAN) Education Hub
NECA is proud to connect its members with premier educational resources from leading industry partners through the Industry Alliance Network. From electrical safety and EV infrastructure to fall protection and digital construction solutions, this Education & Training Hub provides easy access to expert-led programs designed to keep your workforce safe, skilled, and ready for the future. Explore on-demand webinars, training videos, certification courses, and more.
🧾Legislative Update: Oregon Energy Policy — The Short Take for Contractors
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the Oregon Department of Energy, a milestone that coincided with major shifts in Oregon’s energy policy landscape, many of which directly impact NECA contractors.
The 2025 legislative session opened with a difficult budget outlook. Several state-funded incentive programs, including heat pump and solar rebates, received no new funding for the 2025–2027 biennium. At the federal level, the U.S. EPA cancelled the Solar for All grant intended to expand access to solar and storage for low- and moderate-income households. Oregon has since joined a multi-state lawsuit challenging that decision.
Despite these setbacks, meaningful progress continued.
ODOE awarded $2 million in energy workforce grants, supporting education, training, and hands-on experience, a critical investment as our industry continues to face workforce shortages. The state also launched a new Heat Pump Purchase Program, offering $2,000 per home, with more than 4,800 incentives already reserved or issued.
Additional funding opportunities include:
$12 million in Community Renewable Energy Grants (awards pending)
$11.5 million in Grid Resilience Grants (applications due January 30)
Oregon also remained in the top 10 most energy-efficient states, driven in part by new Building Performance Standards that will affect large commercial buildings and future retrofit work.
Perhaps most significantly, Oregon released its first-ever Oregon Energy Strategy, outlining five policy pathways: energy efficiency, clean electricity, electrification, low-carbon fuels, and resilience. A recent Executive Order directs state agencies to prioritize implementation of this strategy, signaling where future funding, regulations, and project opportunities are likely headed.
Bottom line for NECA members: policy decisions are increasingly shaping how and where work happens. We will continue tracking these developments, advocating for practical, contractor-informed solutions, and keeping members informed as these policies move from paper to projects.
📱 Connect with us on social media
Follow us on social media for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive insights.
We’d love to hear from you! Engage with our posts, share your thoughts, and connect with like-minded professionals.
📢 Benefits Administration Alert and Zoom Webinars
Cascade Pension Trust Participant Access Now Live, Zoom Webinars Available
Keeping our contractors and their teams informed is a core part of how we support the workforce that powers our region. This month, we’re sharing an important update from Milliman regarding the Cascade Pension Trust plans.
Milliman has officially launched participant access, and members can now view their retirement information directly through MillimanBenefits.com or by contacting the Milliman Call Center at 866-767-1212. This shift brings greater transparency, easier account management, and a smoother experience for plan participants across our jurisdictions.
Milliman has sent “go-live” email notifications to all members who have an email address on file. For those who do not, Milliman will mail PIN registration letters to ensure everyone has a path to activate their online account.
For contractors, this is a good moment to remind employees to:
Ensure their contact information is current
Watch for Milliman communications
Register their account as soon as they receive access instructions
This update does not require any action from employers, but staying aware of these transitions helps us support our teams with accurate, timely information.
Milliman has several upcoming education webinars related to the Cascade Pension Plan. These sessions walk through the pension plan update, what’s changing with the recordkeeper, key dates, and any actions participants may want to consider.
All sessions begin at 6:30 PM and are held via Zoom.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
🔗 Join Zoom:
Meeting ID: 929 4530 7450
Passcode: 000773
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
🔗 Join Zoom:
Meeting ID: 950 1006 4697
Passcode: 667949
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
🔗 Join Zoom:
Meeting ID: 916 2953 6349
Passcode: 651585
Together, we’re keeping benefits administration clear, organized, and supportive for the people who keep our industry moving.
⚡ New ELECTRI Research Available
Managerial Strategies for Improving Project Level Cash Flows and Payment Terms» This study defines and rates managerial strategies for improving project level cash flows for electrical construction companies.
Examining the 4×10 Work Week: Benefits, Challenges, and Data Insights» The objective of this study was to assess the impacts of 4×10 schedules on workers, projects, and organizations. It was designed to help contractors use the findings to form next steps toward evaluating, piloting, or expanding 4×10 options using evidence-based insights.
ELECTRI Research reports are always FREE! Create an account on ELECTRI.org to download them!
🌍 2026 Construction Forecast: A Practical Outlook for Electrical Contractors
As we head into 2026, the construction market isn’t signaling a boom—but it is signaling opportunity for electrical contractors who stay focused on the right work.
Don’t expect double-digit growth across the board. Instead, think steady, selective, and strategic.
Data Centers Still Lead the Pack
Data centers remain the primary growth driver in nonresidential construction. These projects are larger than ever, often exceeding $10 billion, and they’re extremely electrical-intensive, with power and systems accounting for 40% or more of total project cost.
Contractors positioned for data center work, or supporting markets tied to it, should continue to see strong demand into 2026.
A Split Market Is the New Normal
The industry continues to operate in a “two-speed” economy:
Strong growth: Data centers and select institutional work
Flat or soft: Residential, traditional office, and much of industrial construction
This means local market conditions matter more than national averages. Some contractors will be busy; others will need to pivot.
Solid Work Beyond Data Centers
Even in a slower-growth year, several sectors should provide reliable electrical opportunities:
Office retrofits as owners modernize existing buildings
Hospitals and healthcare, where power reliability is critical
K–12 schools and universities, supported by ongoing public investment
Many projects in the $100M–$250M range are moving forward, and electrical work consistently represents 10% or more of total project value.
Costs, Labor, and Planning Still Matter
Material pricing has stabilized somewhat, but key products like wire and switchgear are still seeing double-digit year-over-year increases. Labor availability, tariffs, and supply chain uncertainty remain factors that can impact schedules and margins.
Strong estimating, escalation awareness, and manpower planning will be essential.
The Bottom Line
Nationally, electrical construction growth in 2026 is expected to land in the low single digits, not spectacular, but stable. Add in growing retrofit demand and aging LED and control systems coming due for replacement, and there is real work ahead.
For NECA contractors who stay disciplined and focused, 2026 looks like a year to protect margins, target the right markets, and keep building forward.
Read the full article at EC&M HERE.
💰 Fed Rate Cut Helps Ongoing Projects, but Won’t Spark New Starts Yet
The Federal Reserve’s latest 25-basis-point rate cut, its third of 2025, adds some welcome tailwind for projects already in planning. Lower borrowing costs build confidence, but contractors across the country are aligned on one point: this cut isn’t enough to unlock a wave of new nonresidential builds.
Lenders remain cautious, especially in commercial markets still wrestling with oversupply. Until long-term rates shift, particularly the 10-year Treasury, financing challenges will continue to slow new groundbreakings.
Where We Are Seeing Strength
Some sectors continue to push ahead regardless of rate movements, including:
Data centers
Healthcare and medical technology
Life sciences
These markets are proving nearly rate-proof thanks to strong demand and stable capitalization strategies.
The Bigger Constraint: Skilled Labor
Even with easing rates, the workforce shortage remains the industry’s toughest challenge. Demand for electrical work still outweighs available skilled labor, putting pressure on schedules, crews, and margins.
This is where NECA’s apprenticeship programs, safety resources, and leadership training play a critical role, helping members develop and retain the workforce needed to keep projects moving.
A More Predictable Market Ahead
Contractors report steadier material pricing, more reliable vendor commitments, and improved forecasting compared to the volatility of recent years. Confidence metrics for sales, margins, and staffing are trending upward as we head into 2026.
What It Means for ORPAC NECA Members
This rate cut won’t restart the market on its own, but it contributes to a more stable, predictable environment. For most contractors, the best moves right now are:
Strengthening workforce pipelines
Staying ahead on safety and compliance
Leveraging NECA’s labor and business resources
Comparing notes with peers facing the same economic landscape
As always, ORPAC NECA is here to support you with practical guidance, education, and labor relations expertise.
Read the full article at Construction Dive HERE.
State-Funded Projects Authorized for 2025
Oregon’s 2025 legislative session moved forward a significant slate of state-funded capital projects across multiple regions. These investments will support community infrastructure, public safety facilities, education improvements, and essential system upgrades.
You can find the updated list HERE.
Google and Siemens Invest in Electrical Training to Support Future Infrastructure Needs
Two major global companies are making significant moves to address the growing shortage of skilled electrical workers. This year, Google and Siemens each announced major investments in electrical training programs, signaling a strong shift toward deeper industry collaboration and long-term workforce development.
Google is partnering with the electrical training ALLIANCE to support the training of 100,000 additional electrical workers and 30,000 apprentices, a 70 percent increase nationwide. Their funding will help modernize JATC programs through AI-driven tools, virtual reality training, and improved forecasting. Google has been clear that future AI infrastructure, data centers, and grid upgrades cannot move forward without a strong electrical workforce in place.
Siemens is on a similar path. Through its Siemens Educates America initiative, the company plans to bring 200,000 more electricians and manufacturing specialists into the workforce by 2030. Their investment focuses on curriculum support, lab donations, and digital learning tools, including AI-based training for high-demand areas like electrification and automation.
For NECA contractors, these initiatives highlight what our members see daily. The demand for skilled electricians is rising, and key industry partners now recognize how vital our workforce is to the country’s future infrastructure. These investments complement the long-standing NECA–IBEW training model and help strengthen the pipeline our contractors depend on.
Read the full article at EC&M HERE.
Preventing Electrical Injuries: The Basics That Save Lives
Every contractor shares the same priority: getting everyone home safe at the end of the day. Electrical hazards remain one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in our industry, and most incidents are preventable.
According to OSHA, more than 1,300 workplace deaths involving electricity occurred between 2011 and 2022. Arc flash exposure, missing lockout/tagout protections, and contact with energized conductors continue to be common risks on jobsites.
The most effective prevention starts with fundamentals:
Training and awareness for both qualified and unqualified workers
Clear safety planning before work begins
Routine hazard assessments to identify exposed wiring, faulty equipment, or inadequate grounding
Compliance with NFPA 70E, which provides proven guidance to reduce shock and arc flash hazards
Proper PPE, including arc-rated clothing, insulated gloves, face shields, and voltage-rated tools
Safety works best when it’s part of daily operations, not an afterthought. When contractors reinforce consistent practices, support their crews with the right training and equipment, and lead by example, injuries drop and projects run smoother.
Protecting our people is how we protect our industry, and how we power progress together.
Read the full article at EC&M HERE.