Beginning January 1, 2026, ALL Minnesota employers, from small electrical shops to large contracting firms, will be required to participate in the state’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Read our latest blog to learn more.

Submitted by CEE. Starting January 1, 2026, the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of pin-based linear or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) will be banned.

Submitted by CEE. One-Stop Efficiency Shop's LED Grow Lighting Rebate program offers free consulting and rebates covering up to 60% of project costs for cannabis growers in Minnesota Xcel Energy territory. Partner with us to help your microbusiness clients get the best rebates on LEDs.

Last month we asked: What product/service area do you wish vendors would support you with more?

Join us Thursday, January 28-30 at Mystic Lake for learning, collaboration, and hands-on discovery. This year introduces the Contractor Experience Zone—an interactive series where attendees can test innovative solutions, explore emerging technologies, and gain valuable takeaways from five live demonstrations. Unwind at our Bourbon and Wine Tasting in a relaxed atmosphere. Featuring timely discussions on workforce trends, code updates, business strategy, and government contracting and supported by valued partners including Federated Insurance, AJB Sales, MRL Company, Rouzer Group, ElectroTech Inc., Grissinger Johnson, and Atek Distribution. This is the must-attend event to launch your 2026.

Have you ever thought about serving on the Electrical Association’s Board of Directors? Joining a non-profit Board is a great way to boost your career. You will build your leadership skills while giving back to the community. Deadline: December 8

Five seats are currently open for application: Public member; Representative of electrical suppliers in rural areas; master electrician - contractor; power limited contractor; journeyworker electrician. 

The rate of suicides is 4x higher among construction workers than it is among the general population. Several contributing factors include the seasonal or inconsistent nature of the work, demanding schedules and shifts, and work-related injuries.

Submitted by Smith Schafer. Avoid financial missteps and strengthen your business foundation with smarter accounting practices.

Highlights from last month's meeting: updated regarding enforcement, licensing and inspection.

Goodwill-Easter Seals MN marked a transformative moment in its century-long mission to eliminate barriers to employment with the grand opening of its new Career & Services Campus in St. Paul. 

The Spark Your Success scholarship is powered by Van Meter in a field related to the electrical trades up to $2000. Individuals enrolling or enrolled in a program or apprenticeship, who have completed a high school degree or GED.

At a recent conference where I had the opportunity to speak, there was a break in the schedule and many attendees gathered in the hallway, sharing thoughts... a recurring concern emerged: the upcoming 2029 release of the NEC, reorganized into 22 chapters.

1. If a major repair garage where Class I liquids or gaseous fuels heavier than air are transferred or dispensed has a 1,550 CFM exhaust fan mounted through the wall at  6’ above the floor in an area that is 30’ x 40’  (1,200 ft²). The area is a _______ up to 18” above the floor