Industry and IBEW News

Microsoft Agrees to Pay For Higher Electricity Consumption Due to Data Centers

https://insidermonkey.com/blog/microsoft-corporation-agrees-to-pay-for-higher-electricity-consumption-due-to-data-centers-1679666/

Microsoft announced a "Community-First AI Infrastructure" policy ensuring communities won't bear the full cost of electricity consumption and grid expansion from its data centers, following Trump administration pressure. The company's commitment comes as IEA estimates US datacenter electricity demand could triple by 2035, from 200 to 640 terawatt-hours annually.

Report: Wind and Solar Overtook Fossil Fuels for EU Power Generation in 2025

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/22/wind-and-solar-overtook-fossil-fuels-in-power-generation-for-eu-in-2025-report

Wind and solar generated 30% of EU electricity in 2025, surpassing fossil fuels at 29% for the first time, driven by a surge in solar installations that grew 20% for the fourth consecutive year. Energy think tank Ember reports coal power fell to a record low of 9.2%, though gas generation rose 8% due to lower hydropower availability, lifting import costs to 32 billion euros.

IBEW Winter Coat Distribution Event

https://jtv.tv/jackson-public-schools-ibew-winter-coat-distribution-event-1-12-2026-photo-gallery/

jtv.tv

Meet the New IEC Chairman, Joe Calabro (Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7k-a9usiiY

youtube.com

The Real AI Talent War Is for Plumbers and Electricians

https://www.wired.com/story/why-there-arent-enough-electricians-and-plumbers-to-build-ai-data-centers/

wired.com1