On March 16, leaders of EEI member companies and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) locals convened for the National Labor and Management Public Affairs Committee (LAMPAC) conference in Washington, D.C. 

During the conference, officials explored challenges and new opportunities facing the energy industry and its workforce. They also discussed how policies and regulatory support can drive energy infrastructure buildout as electric companies work to meet rising demand and connect large load customers to the grid. 

“The partnership between EEI and IBEW is essential to delivering reliable energy to the communities we serve across the nation,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney during his opening remarks. “Ninety percent of EEI member companies’ organized labor are represented by the IBEW, and that partnership is foundational to our success.” 

“What an amazing time to be in the industry,” said IBEW Director of the Utility Department and National LAMPAC Co-President Drew Stover. “The buildout and expansion of our infrastructure and workforce ahead of us is like nothing we have seen in decades.” 

Powering Partnerships 

The first panel, “Powering Leadership and Partnerships in the Industry,” highlighted the top priorities for America’s electric companies and their workforce and reinforced the value of a strong labor-management partnership. Maloney moderated a panel featured EEI Chair and Exelon President and CEO Calvin Butler; Ameren Corporation Chairman, President and CEO Marty Lyons; IBEW International President Kenny Cooper; and IBEW International Secretary-Treasurer Paul Noble. 

When Butler was serving as president of Baltimore Gas and Electric, an Exelon subsidiary, he worked on union negotiations with Cooper, who was IBEW Vice President of the Fourth District at that time. 

“We wanted the best for our employees, our company, and our communities. When you get through all the noise, that was at the core of what was driving us and has guided our relationship,” Butler said. 

“It’s not how we agree that matters; it’s how we disagree,” Cooper said. “Most of the time, we find common ground.” 

Lyons applauded IBEW workers’ efforts to help with recovery efforts after a major storm hit communities served by Ameren last year. 

“The partnership we had with IBEW is fantastic. Last year, we had a tornado come through downtown St. Louis. When you saw the devastation this tornado left, it looked like a war zone,” Lyons said. “We had 3,000 folks come out to help with recovery. We deployed $100 million over the course of eight days. We got customers restored … at the end of the week, I was truly emotional seeing what our crews were able to do.” 

“We’re better together,” Noble agreed, “and we can accomplish a lot more together than if we go alone.” 

To learn more about National LAMPAC, visit its website. 

2026 LAMPAC Awards 

Each year, the John D. Dingell Award and the Edwin D. Hill Award are presented during the LAMPAC Award Ceremony. This year, EEI and the IBEW presented the first Edwin D. Hill Award to Ameren Missouri and IBEW Local 1439 for their partnership to advance economic development in the communities they serve. Learn more about Ameren Missouri and IBEW Local 949’s initiative. 

The second Edwin D. Hill Award was presented to Alliant Energy, IBEW Local 949, and IBEW Local 204 for their work to educate voters about a proposed ballot initiative that jeopardized union jobs and energy reliability for customers. Learn more about Alliant Energy and IBEW Locals 949 and 204’s efforts. 

The John D. Dingell Award was presented to Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) in recognition of their steadfast support for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Learn more about Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed's (D-RI) work to champion LIHEAP. 

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