President’s Message February/March 2013

The Utah Legislature is approximately midway through this years’ session.  SB 208 includes proposed changes to the Solar Photovoltaic Contractor Licensing regulations.  My understanding of the changes is that this would allow those with specialty contractor licenses to perform not only low voltage work associated with solar modules, inverters, batteries, etc. but would expand the scope to include switchgear and other line voltage equipment.  Please contact your representatives and let them know that this work needs to continue to fall under the responsibility of S-200 or S-201 licensed contractors. Thank you to those who helped and attended the industry night at the Grand America hotel in January.  We had a large number of NECA/IBEW members at the presentation.  The information that was provided should help each of us better understand the challenges we face and hopefully we will be able to implement the tools that are available to us to become a stronger force in the local electrical industry. Good luck to those that have been nominated for IEA Industry Awards.  It is nice to see that NECA contractors continue to be recognized for their efforts in our various industries and markets. The annual meeting is just a few weeks away.  We have a great program scheduled and look forward to seeing everyone the week of March 10^th. Again, thank you for all you do.  NECA is a good organization of great people.  I encourage everyone to get involved and find out what NECA can do for you. Chris Thomson NECA Intermountain Chapter President