This is the second article in a series about how the IBEW is working within our states, communities and in the federal political arena to expand the market and benefits of renewable energy technologies.

Bill Richmond is a solar energy guy. A Minneapolis Local 292 journeyman wireman and owner of ION Renewable Technologies, Richmond is one of those signatory entrepreneurs who should be poised for prosperity in the new green energy sector.

There’s just one problem. Fossil fuel-based energy is plentiful and cheap in Minnesota—8 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to California or the East Coast’s 15 to 26 cents. “Even with federal stimulus money coming in, we have to show a rate of return on our investment to finance our jobs,” says Richmond.

Richmond’s dilemma is one of several testing the IBEW and organized labor’s ability to seize opportunities along the full range of renewable energy development. From campaigns focused on organizing workers, to lobbying for training programs and stimulus money, the Brotherhood is in the game.

With hundreds of thousands of members employed by inside construction companies and utility companies, IBEW’s strategy is a multi-faceted work in progress.

Making Renewable Energy Competitive

The stimulus package includes some tax credits for renewable energy projects. Renewable portfolio standards—like Minnesota’s requirement that one-quarter of the state’s energy derives from renewable sources by 2025—should increase deployment of alternate energies.

IBEW Utility Department Director Jim Hunter cautions that increasing renewable energy usage will require a rebuilding of the nation’s transmission grid to accommodate intermittent sources of energy like wind and solar. But even more advanced technology will be necessary.

One emerging company has contacted the IBEW about plans to manufacture and install lithium ion batteries that will be sold to building owners—enabling them to store power produced during non-peak hours and redistribute the power during daylight business hours. Even larger batteries—some the size of semi trucks—are being designed for utility companies to store intermittent excess solar and wind energy.

As federal dollars pour into green energy projects as part of the stimulus package, locals and districts are working to ensure that the money is put to maximum advantage—returning unemployed union members to work and tapping their skills.

Showcase IBEW Training for Stimulus Support

Third District International Vice President Don Siegel serves as organized labor’s representative on Pennsylvania’s stimulus oversight commission. “There will be a tremendous grab when the state gets nearly $10 billion,” says Siegel.

Siegel is joining International President Edwin D. Hill and other leaders by inviting members of Congress to tour IBEW training centers in late May to highlight renewable energy training and win more help from the federal stimulus package.

“People inside the IBEW often don’t appreciate how little is known about us in the outside world. I’m amazed at how many people overlook us when it comes to training,” says Siegel. IBEW locals and the Membership Development Department are looking beyond the classroom to growth opportunities in the renewable industry.

“Mature and Measured Response” on Climate Change

Andrew Bangert, an 11-year member of Madison, Wis., Local 159, is the state’s first master electrician to receive certification in solar installation. Bangert, who directs and trains three crews in solar installation for H&H Solar Energy Services, says work is piling up. Utilities are buying back solar energy at 25 cents per kilowatt-hour versus 10 cents per kilowatt-hour from fossil fuel-based sources. Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program provides a 25 percent credit for renewables. Combined with a 30 percent federal green energy tax credit, the state program and advantageous utility rates are creating new wo opportunities for locals in the state. Bangert has held informational seminars for architects to introduce them to the Brotherhood’s training and skills.

“We need some changes to make solar and wind more competitive,” says Richmond.

In the U.S. Congress, such changes are hotly debated in the 2009 budget negotiations. The Obama administration has called for a 14 percent reduction in heat-trapping gases by 2020. Under Obama’s “cap and trade” system, industries and utilities releasing greenhouse gases above permissible caps would be required to buy permits, exacting a cost on production. Tax credits for producers of cleaner forms of energy could be sold, or traded, creating an incentive for electrical producers and users to move to alternative energy sources.

The IBEW is continuing to seek solutions to climate change that will balance the needs of workers for stable jobs, communities for healthier air and employers—from small business like ION and H&H Group to giant producers like American Electric Power—for viability in the marketplace. A joint position paper signed in 2007 by International President Edwin D. Hill and AEP CEO Michael G. Morris continues to guide IBE policy.

While promoting training, entrepreneurship and good manufacturing jobs in the renewable energy industry, says President Hill, the IBEW will continue to look toward a “mature and measured response to climate change” that includes a full spectrum of innovation—from advanced coal to nuclear power to solar, wind and tidal wave technologies.