👋 Situational awareness: As March wrapped up, activity in Washington highlighted just how rapidly the electrical construction landscape is evolving. From high-profile data center commitments and massive infrastructure investment projections to critical discussions on workforce development, grid reliability, and permitting reform, NECA continues to advocate for policies that position contractors at the forefront of this unprecedented growth.
Let’s dive in!
NECA Joins President Trump For Data Center Roundtable
President Trump hosted a roundtable at the White House on March 4 with top tech and energy executives to sign the Ratepayer Protection Pledge. Seven major tech companies, including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, committed to covering the costs of infrastructure upgrades for data centers, ensuring these expenses aren’t transferred to American households.
Why it matters: This initiative highlights NECA’s crucial role in the infrastructure powering America’s digital economy.
NECA contractors are at the forefront of delivering essential electrical systems that support innovation and economic growth.
The big picture: The rapid demand for data centers and AI factory infrastructure presents a major construction opportunity.
NECA’s skilled workforce and innovative solutions uniquely position them to meet this challenge.
NECA CEO David Long, President Mark Walter, and Vice President at Large Steve Stone, were in attendance alongside Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Speaker Mike Johnson.
"The electrical construction industry plays an essential role in building the infrastructure that powers America's digital economy," said David Long. "From large-scale data centers to grid modernization and energy integration, NECA contractors are on the front lines of delivering the electrical systems that support innovation, national security, economic growth and reliable power for communities across the country."
Steve Stone emphasized the scale of what lies ahead. "The rapid expansion of data center demand and AI factory infrastructure represents one of the most significant construction opportunities of our time. NECA contractors are uniquely positioned with the most highly skilled craftspeople paired with the advanced expertise and innovative solutions necessary to meet this generation-defining moment."
What’s Next for Contractors: The pledge is a direct response to growing political pressure over rising electricity costs tied to data center expansion.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has called for a national moratorium on AI data center construction, and similar measures have been introduced or considered in Colorado, New York, Maine, and other states.
For NECA contractors, the pledge represents a formal commitment to responsible data center construction.
It also represents trillions of dollars in work opportunity that NECA contractors are positioned to lead on.
BlackRock’s $100M commitment to skilled trades
On March 11, BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners convened the U.S. Infrastructure Summit in Washington under the theme "Building America's Future Together."
The panel of speakers included three Cabinet secretaries, six U.S. senators, NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum, UPS CEO Carol Tomé, Chevron CEO Mike Wirth, and Google President Ruth Porat.
NECA’s own David Long also addressed the summit alongside labor leaders from the Building Trades and Teamsters.
The summit's central message was that the world is entering what BlackRock described as the greatest period of construction in human history, with as much as $85 trillion in global infrastructure investment projected over the next 15 years.
Powering that buildout requires a scaled-up skilled trades workforce.
BlackRock demonstrated their commitment to developing the workforce by launching a $100 million Future Builders initiative at the summit to train 50,000 Americans in skilled trades over the next five years.
Why it matters: This investment happens as the demand for electricians and construction professionals accelerates faster than the overall labor market.
NECA members are witnessing this surge firsthand, with a project pipeline reflecting this increased demand.
The big picture: As much as $85 trillion in global infrastructure investment is projected over the next 15 years, marking a significant period of construction.
What’s next: NECA’s Government Affairs team continues to engage in policy and appropriations efforts to ensure a steady supply of trained electrical workers.
Electrical Execs Take Capitol Hill
Driving the news: On March 4, NECA CEO David Long joined NEMA President & CEO Debra Phillips and NAED President & CEO Wes Smith on Capitol Hill to advance priorities like workforce development, trade, permitting reform, and grid modernization.
VETs Act and veterans workforce development: The coalition met with Rep. Mike Bost to advocate for the VETs Act, highlighting the electrical industry’s commitment to hiring veterans. With a need for 79,000 more electricians annually, veterans are seen as a vital talent pool for NECA contractors.
Trade policy and material cost pressures: Discussions with Sen. Todd Young focused on tariffs‘ impact on electrical contractors, driving up costs and slowing grid modernization. NECA pushed for exclusions on materials not manufactured at scale domestically.
REWIRE Act and grid modernization: Just days before the meeting, Senators Welch and McCormick introduced the REWIRE Act to modernize the electric grid, representing shovel-ready work for NECA contractors.
Permitting reform: The coalition met with Wendy Baig to address the permitting backlog, which is a major bottleneck to grid expansion and job creation for NECA members.
E&C Examines Grid Reliability in Wake of Winter Storm Fern
The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy held a hearing on March 17 to discuss the nation’s electric grid performance during Winter Storm Fern.
Why it matters: The storm exposed vulnerabilities in the grid, leaving over a million without power and stressing the need for reliable energy solutions. Initial damage assesments showed more than 470 miles of affected transmission lines.
Dispatchable generation, like coal and natural gas, played a crucial role in maintaining power supply.
What they’re saying: James Robb, CEO of NERC, warned that the grid was “very close to the edge” and highlighted the risk of energy shortfalls.
Nearly two-thirds of the country faces elevated energy risks over the next five years.
What’s next: NECA will collaborate with Congress and federal agencies to modernize and strengthen the grid to prevent future crises.
House Advances Bipartisan Grid Cybersecurity Package
The House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously passed five bipartisan bills on March 6, aimed at bolstering the physical and cyber security of America’s electric grid. These bills now head to the House floor.
What they’re saying: “These bipartisan cybersecurity bills will help combat those threats by strengthening DOE's leadership when it comes to securing the energy sector, providing targeted funding and technical assistance to rural and municipal utilities, and authorizing public-private partnerships on grid security that enhance information sharing,” said Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie.
Details: A bill of particular is the Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity Act which reauthorizes DOE's cybersecurity grant and technical assistance program for rural electric cooperatives, municipal utilities, and small investor-owned utilities through 2030 at $250 million per year.
These are the utilities that NECA contractors build and maintain. Ensuring they have the resources to detect, protect against, and respond to cyber threats is critical to the resilience of local electrical infrastructure across the country.
Will We See You in DC?
Register now for the leading event in electrical construction advocacy as spots remain available for the 2026 NECA Legislative Conference.
Why it matters: Attendees have the opportunity to meet with key committee and leadership staff who shape legislation, ensuring our industry’s priorities are heard at the highest levels.
