The IBEW 1245 Delegation to the IBEW Utility Conference, Chicago, May 20-21, 2025
Chicago, Illinois – From May 20-May 21, 2025, Business Manager Bob Dean led the IBEW 1245 delegation to this year’s IBEW Utility Conference. The annual event took place in Chicago, Illinois.
IBEW Utility Locals from across the United States and Canada gathered to learn, problem solve and collaborate on a range of issues. Emerging technologies and their impact on the utility industry along with political and economic challenges and opportunities dominated the discussion. From drones, electric vehicles, and robotics to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the rapid expansion of data centers and the increased load required to support them, utilities are undergoing extraordinary change. Speaker after speaker emphasized the need for highly skilled labor as well as the imperative to embrace change and to adapt to an evolving industry.
Here are some reflections from some of the IBEW 1245 delegates who attended the conference:
“Attending the IBEW International Conference was a powerful reminder that our unity as electrical workers fuels our strength, driving progress and pride in every job we do.”
– Steve Pettigrew, Hydro Operator, PG&E
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“I had the best time at the 2025 Utility Conference, surrounded by my Union brothers and sisters from all over the country and Canada. I really enjoyed learning about Chicago’s strong union legacy and the historic impact its labor movement has had across the country. It was inspiring to hear from speakers who shared powerful stories and accomplishments as union members and supporters. I learned so much about the changes happening in our industry, the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead. The experience made me even more proud to be a union member, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend. I’m especially thankful for being chosen to represent and participate in such an important event.”
– Tiffany Bradley, Customer Service Representative, PG&E
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“This year’s conference was mostly focused on the changed political environment and how emerging technologies are impacting our members. We need to continue to find ways for our membership to embrace and adapt to these technologies so that we can continue to evolve too. We don’t want to become stagnant!”
– Bryce Twichell, Mechanic Foreman, Truckee Meadows Water Authority
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“The Utility Conference was an eye-opening experience for all of us as we learned about all of the challenges facing the utility industry. The need for skilled labor to address the increased load that will be coming online from new data centers, AI, and electrification of homes and vehicles is incredible. There is also pressure from new technologies such as drones, robotics, and AI that could potentially have a negative effect on our membership. The IBEW will definitely need to get creative to stay ahead of these changes that are coming from all directions so that we are adapting with the changes rather than trying to fight them. Although I believe 1245 is positioned to meet these challenges head on, this will be a nationwide issue that all locals must be united on if we are to remain successful in our efforts.
– Patrick Stark, Troubleshooter, PG&E
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“The 2025 IBEW Utility Conference in Chicago spotlighted the transformative impact of AI, data centers, and electric vehicles (EVs) on the U.S. electric grid, emphasizing the pivotal role of union labor in this evolving landscape. The conference underscored the surging electricity demand driven by AI-powered data centers and the proliferation of EVs. Projections indicate that data centers could triple their power consumption over the next three years, potentially accounting for 12% of the nation’s total electricity usage . This escalation necessitates substantial investments in grid expansion and modernization.
The conference also addressed the influence of government policies on job creation and the energy sector. The IBEW is actively advocating for policies that protect and create union jobs. Collaborations between labor and industry leaders highlight the importance of a skilled workforce in achieving energy security and economic growth . These efforts ensure that the transition to a more electrified and technologically advanced grid includes opportunities for union workers.
Overall, the 2025 IBEW Utility Conference emphasized the critical intersection of technological advancement, government policy, and labor advocacy in shaping the future of the electric grid and securing jobs for union members.
I want to extend a sincere thank you to IBEW 1245 for inviting all of us to the Utility Conference. Events like this give us a valuable opportunity to connect with people we might not usually cross paths with. It’s a chance to share ideas, learn from one another, and strengthen the relationships that hold our brotherhood together. These moments of unity and camaraderie remind us why we stand together — stronger as one.”
– Jacob Ward, Lead System Operator, PG&E
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“I was surprised by the number of challenges the Union is facing regarding the current political environment however I was happy to see all the hard work the IBEW is doing in Washington to secure our jobs and funding to harden the electrical grid.”
– Scott Mann, Engineering Technician, City of Healdsburg
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“The 2025 IBEW Utility Conference in Chicago gave us the opportunity to hear numerous speakers convey updates and information on various topics including safety, leadership, the future of the grid, renewable energy and government affairs. We also heard the inspiring stories of our brothers and sisters at Local 465 (San Diego) and Local 960 (El Paso) in their recent victories defeating municipality takeovers. I look forward to bringing new information and ideas back to our members at 1245.”
– Tim Dean, Backhoe Operator, PG&E