New Storm Lab Prepares Michigan Electricians for Weather Disasters

May 24, 2013

Detroit Local 58 leaders, DTE Energy representatives and elected officials were on hand May 14 for the unveiling of the new Storm Watch Training Lab.

Summer is coming. For many, this means vacations on the beach, kids lounging at home and trips to the pool. But for utilities, summer means raging thunderstorms and hurricane season.

To meet the challenge of responding to natural disasters, Detroit Local 58, the National Electrical Contractors Association and DTE Energy teamed up to develop the Storm Watch Training Lab.

Local 58 leaders, DTE Energy representatives and elected officials were on hand May 13 for the program’s unveiling.

Located at the IBEW-NECA Electrical Industry Training Center outside Detroit, the lab offers three days of classroom and hands-on training resulting in certification in storm response.

“IBEW Local 58 electricians and NECA contractors have long supported communities after weather disasters,” says Local 58 Business Manager Michael Richard. “This program will expand our ability to respond to emergencies all over the country, specifically for homeowners coordinated through NECA contractor J. Ranck Electric and DTE Energy.”

The program offers training in residential service restoration, post-storm safety and how to be a quick responder.

Jennifer Mefford, director of business development at the EITC, told WWJ Newsradio 950 that the lab is designed to train electricians to be available to assist in returning power to homeowners after natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy.

The center expects to train over 200 electricians through the program.