IBEW members working for T&D Power do civil work for sub-stations for the NV Energy Greenlink Project in Yerington, Nevada on June 24, 2025
A project of NV Energy, the Greenlink project is a large-scale transmission and substation initiative designed to expand Nevada’s energy grid and transport renewable energy across the state.
It is comprised of two primary high-voltage transmission lines and supporting infrastructure – Greenlink West and Greenlink North and includes the construction of seven hundred seventeen (717) miles of transmission lines across the state. Upon completion of the project, generation will increase by upwards of 8 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy. According to NV Energy, Greenlink West alone could generate to 4 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy, enough to power at least 4.8 million homes. Greenlink North could add an additional 4 gigawatts (GW).
The project is expected to create upwards of 4,000 jobs during the 12-year construction period, according to NV Energy, translating into an estimated $690 million in economic activity generated by the project.
IBEW 1245 played an instrumental role securing federal and state funding for the initiative.
The Work
T&D Power General Foreman Wade Cowan.
Seasoned journeyman Lineman, Wade Cowan is a General Foreman at T&D Power Inc, overseeing the historic Greenlink West project in Nevada.
“We are in Yerington Nevada at the Fort Churchill Power Plant. It is the Greenlink Project West,” said Cowan.
Years ago, Cowan completed his apprenticeship at the Mountain States apprenticeship program where he worked with “some top shelf hands” before working on a string of transmission distribution projects. He also perfected the craft of “welding bus.” Today he is training the next generation of linemen on one of the biggest projects in Nevada.
“We have crews of Linemen, Sub Techs and Fabricators, Line Equipment Men and Groundman. And obviously we utilize the apprenticeship program. Cal Nevada. We’ve been very lucky.…A majority of our calls have come from the book…from [IBEW Local Unions] 396, 1245, 47. Our leadership at the hall has been phenomenal.…We’ve just been very blessed with great hands that’s come out.”
Challenges abound, from contending with wind, wildfires and smoke to procurement of materials to meet deadlines.
“To see this project from start to finish is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The sheer size of the project and the amount of labor to man this work is an incredible sight to see,” declared IBEW 1245 Business Representative Fred Aboud. Aboud, who also serves as the Peer-to-Peer Safety Coordinator for the Union also accented safety. “Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to every IBEW job. T&D is doing a great job at this from the first thing in the morning. On the dot at 0600 men and woman gather around and give a tailboard from the different department leads. That’s where it starts and goes flawlessly throughout the day,” he said.
The Union Difference
When asked about the role of the union, Cowan didn’t hesitate. From the caliber of apprenticeship programs to the quality and camaraderie of the crews and the excellent pay and benefits, the union has had a powerful impact on his life and his family’s life.
For Cowan, “The greatest thing from the union for me is the brotherhood. I’ve had a bunch of apprentices.…It’s such a tight niche group. And these kids come out, I call it a Stanford level of education in construction. And I really value my time in the mountain states apprenticeship because it’s next level, from knots rigging all the way across the board. The brotherhood is one of the best, best things that I’ve ever been a part of. Just being able to call the hall, get skilled craft, get good skilled craft come out.…And the training that we go through, it’s top tier.”
After pausing, he added, “The other greatest thing about the union is my wife is currently fighting breast cancer and our insurance – it’s unreal. That’s what, when I tell people, ‘Hey come union, this is the benefits you’re going to get….Done great things for my wife and I.”
Long Term Implications
The significance of the Greenlink Project for union members, community members and Nevada’s energy space cannot be overstated.
IBEW 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Ralph Armstrong, who played a key role securing the Greenlink Project Agreement, stated, “The Greenlink Project is the most significant infrastructure project I’ve seen in Nevada in my 18 years on staff. Securing a worksite agreement that ensures this is a 100% union job is a huge achievement for Local 1245, our members, and our sister local unions. It’s a victory that will deliver lasting benefits for workers and communities across the state for years to come.”
– Eileen Purcell, Sr Advisor to the Business Manager; Photos by John Storey