Wired In
March 19, 2025 Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Instagram
Industry News
Understanding the Role & Responsibilities of a Responsible Licensed Individual (RLI)
The MN DLI recently addressed the crucial role and responsibilities of the RLI for electrical contractors and employers. Let's delve into the importance of the RLI and their key responsibilities.
NEW! Ask the DLI
We are gathering questions from the field for the DLI. Send us your question, and we will forward to the DLI anonymously on your behalf.
Bonus Lighting Rebates and Trade Ally Incentives Available
CEE’s One-Stop Efficiency Shop, sponsored by Xcel Energy, is offering limited-time bonus rebates and lighting trade incentives for contractors.
Small Businesses Learn About Public Work
April 10 (8-10am) Ramsey County is hosting an event in Arden Hills for small businesses to have deliberate, worthwhile conversations with project managers, engineers and other county staff who are directly involved in construction.
Construction Industry Booms in 2025
The construction industry is rebounding in 2025, with the output for new projects expected to increase by 8.5%, according to the latest forecasts! Continue reading the full article from AECCafe below.
ABC Economist Shares 2025 Outlook
What are today's top challenges and opportunities for contractors today? Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Economist Zack Fritz offers professional insights on the year ahead.
REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS IS WHAT WE DO
PRK&A Law®
Peters & Kappenman, P.A. handles a wide variety of employment and construction law matters, including representing contractors in mechanic’s lien disputes and collection matters involving subcontractors and suppliers.  Martin Kappenman has over 20 years of experience representing businesses of all sizes in this area of law.
 
Contact Martin Kappenman at 952.921.4603 or mkappenman@pklaborlaw.com for questions regarding your mechanic’s lien or collection concerns.
 
WWW.PKLABORLAW.COM
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Center for Energy and Environment
Viking Electric
MEMBER NEWS
How George Bavolak Sold the Family Business
George Bavolak, now retired, was a long-time, active member and a Past President of the Electrical Association. This is the story of how he was able to sell his family business and start enjoying his retirement after 43 years in business.
Members can Connect with Job Seekers
Our resume page is designed to connect you with a diverse range of job seekers who are actively looking for opportunities in the electrical industry. With quarterly updates, this resource ensures that you have access to a fresh and dynamic pool of talent. Right now, our page features over 30 job seekers.
Safety and Compliance
Q&A with an Outsourced Accounting Expert
Outsourced accounting is becoming an increasingly popular choice for businesses of all sizes, offering specialized financial expertise without the overhead costs of maintaining an in-house team.
Paid Leave Confirms Premium Rate, Remains on Track for Launch in 2026
Minnesota Paid Leave confirmed today that when Paid Leave begins in 2026, the premium rate will be 0.88 percent. The premium rate is a percentage of an employee's wages that will be paid by the employee and their employer to fund the program.  
Workforce News
Reasonable Accommodations in Electrical and Construction Professions
Below is a structured list of various electrical and construction-related professions, with example disabilities that can be safely accommodated in each role and corresponding reasonable accommodations. (Roles where a disability cannot be safely accommodated – e.g. those requiring climbing at great heights or full unimpaired vision/hearing for safety-critical tasks – are excluded.) All suggested accommodations align with industry best practices, OSHA/ADA guidance, and accessibility standards, ensuring legal compliance and safety.
Education and NEC
We're Back - Get your CE's at the NCEL Expo
April 16-17, Minneapolis Convention Center  •  Get up to 16 CEs at the Expo! 
Significant Proposed Changes: 2026 NEC Article 110.16
In this and future editions of Wired In, I’ll keep you informed about some of the proposed code changes from NFPA’s First Draft Report and the Second Draft Report when it is available. While these changes have been approved by the code-making panels, they may still be amended or removed before the final publication of the 2026 NEC.
Quiz on the Code
Receptacle Load Calculations
1.    In one-family, two-family, and multifamily dwellings, the minimum unit load shall be not less than 3 volt-amperes/ft. This includes ______.
Smart Home Technology
Homeowners and businesses are investing in smart automation for convenience, security, and energy efficiency, creating a growing demand for skilled professionals who can install and maintain these systems.