Eleven members of Springfield, Ill., Local 193 netted accolades for restoring power and providing other city services in the wake of a devastating ice storm last winter that crippled the southern part of the state and western Kentucky.

Journeymen linemen Don Baumhardt, Lance Barnard, Jack Burchi, Andrew Dhabalt, Rob Hester, Kirk Jacobs, Brian Kramp, Mike Mheidze, Charles Riner, Bart Schmulbach and Jeff Nemecek working for Springfield City Water, Light & Power, received commendations in June from the city of Metropolis—near the Illinois-Kentucky border—and the Illinois Municipal Utilities Association. The men were dispatched to the town as part of the utilities’ mutual aid program, a coalition of employees who respond to emergencies.

Working 17-hour days for two weeks straight, the workers cleared downed trees, reset poles and strung wire that had been leveled by the storm. Power finally came back on for Metropolis’ 15,000 residents after the crew rebuilt distribution lines—a daunting task complicated by the frigid temperatures.

Time afterhours provided little relief, as the workers’ hotel had no power. Flashlights, cold showers and frost on the windows characterized the scene.

"We had a strong motivation to get out there and get the job done," said job supervisor Don Baumhardt. "There were little kids freezing in their houses. It was like something back in the Great Depression."

For their efforts, the men also received personal letters of thanks from Metropolis Mayor Billy McDaniel and IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill.

"Undoubtedly, it was a job made even more challenging given the ice, extreme cold and other severe weather conditions during that time," McDaniel said. "I as well as all the residents of Metropolis thank these employees for lending their time, talent and services during a time of need."

Norfolk, Va., Local 80 is the latest IBEW local to join the national push for renewable energy. Last January, the Tidewater Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee began the New Year with the installation of a 250-volt photovoltaic system that not only provides power for the center but allows both apprentices and journeymen to develop their skills in solar technology.

"By training our apprentices and journeymen in solar photovoltaic systems today, we are letting our contractors know they can pick up the phone and get the manpower they need to install any job," said Michael Iacobellis, training director for the Tidewater Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee.

The center offers an upgrade course in solar photovoltaics that covers all aspects of PV systems. The 30-hour, four-week course allows participants to qualify for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners’ solar certificate program. The certification allows individuals looking to get into the solar field a way to show they have achieved knowledge comprehension of key terms and concepts of photovoltaic operations.

"With the resources just within Local 80’s jurisdiction, in both solar and wind, we need to be prepared to man this work," said Local 80 Business Manager Matt Yonka.

Local 80 is also looking to develop courses in wind turbine installation by 2010. The Tidewater region of Virginia, which borders the Atlantic Ocean, has been labeled by the Department of Energy as one of the top wind producing regions in the state.

How does Syracuse, N.Y., Local 97 member Steve Capirici make electricity so entertaining for 90 third graders that their jaws are literally hanging open while he is talking? Easy: He brings in a model with boats and trucks, has real life sparks and fire simulations, and he uses terminology and examples that are age appropriate.

"You could see the kids’ faces light up when a spark ignited," Capirici said.

He is able to hold the third graders' attention for 45 minutes with a portable demonstration that includes transmission poles and wires and other things children see every day. The 2x5' table-top model also includes a house, some vehicles, a pool and a kite. All of these objects combined demonstrate 11 cautionary tales he describes in his presentation. The scenarios ranged from a doll flying a kite that hits a wire, to a wire falling into a pool. The dolls get electrocuted in every scenario.

Capirici, a service representative at National Grid, is the latest messenger in a public outreach program that has been presented to grade school kids by the utility and its predecessor, Niagara Mohawk Power, for 25 years.

Each scenario that is represented in the model was a real life incident. One was a husband and wife pulling an antenna on their roof with a rope. The antenna touched a wire; both people were electrocuted. Because the antenna was touching the house, the house caught on fire. Capirici exemplified this by having a red and yellow light in the house to simulate a fire.

The main audiences that Capirici presents to are children in grades first to sixth. "I am really proud to be involved in these kids' lives by teaching them how to be safe in their homes when it comes to electricity," said Capirici, who brings the clothing he wears on the job, tools and his personal protective equipment, along with the model.

Steve Roby, a senior safety representative for National Grid, who helped develop the demonstration and trained Capirici, sat in on one of Capirici's presentations. "Steve had good eye contact and was very relaxed with the kids," he said.

Both Roby and Capirici hope other members will start to replicate what this local is doing in their own communities. Capirici says, "My main goals are to teach kids safety and help my community." And he's not finished yet. Capirici plans on going back to Sauquoit Elementary school again next year.

The green economy will play a vital role in both reducing our carbon footprint and putting people to work.

Our new Web site section, Working Green, will help keep members, contractors and others looking to break into the new energy economy updated on the latest news about the IBEW's role in the green revolution.

From news stories about IBEW members working in solar, wind, biomass, nuclear power and clean coal, to information about green training and how to find work in the renewable energy sector, Working Green will be a one-stop spot for those who want to make sure green job will be good jobs.

"Green power offers us the chance to not only halt climate change but to rebuild the middle class," said IBEW International President Edwin D. Hill. "Working Green is the place to let everyone know that our members have the skills and training needed to make it a reality."

To check out the site, click on the Working Green tab on the IBEW homepage or go to www.ibew.org/WorkingGreen/index.htm.