Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2019) – During a reception tonight, the inaugural Edwin D. Hill Award will be presented to International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 396, IBEW Local Union 1245, and NV Energy. The distinguished award recognizes advancement of state and local initiatives on behalf of the Edison Electric Institute’s (EEI’s) member electric companies and IBEW members.

IBEW Local Union 396, IBEW Local Union 1245, and NV Energy worked together to form a diverse coalition to educate customers in Nevada about their energy choices and NV Energy’s plan for providing customers with more clean energy. The coalition included environmental organizations, small and large business owners, local officials, and other organizations dedicated to keeping energy prices low while increasing the amount of clean energy in Nevada. Customers in Nevada overwhelmingly agreed with the coalition when they voted on Election Day.

“EEI’s member companies are committed to putting customers first, to maintaining reliability, and to keeping electricity prices low for all customers,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “IBEW Local Union 396, IBEW Local Union 1245, and NV Energy worked together to build a broad coalition to achieve an outcome that ultimately benefits electricity customers in Nevada. They were very successful, and they are all very deserving of this distinguished award.” 

“I couldn’t be prouder of the members of IBEW Locals 396 and 1245 and our friends at NV Energy for all the work they did to protect Nevada’s energy future,” said IBEW International President Lonnie Stephenson. “They proved in practice that when we work with our industry partners on behalf of our customers, we can make positive change happen.”

EEI and the IBEW came together 12 years ago to create the National Labor Management Public Affairs Committee (National LAMPAC). National LAMPAC fosters collaboration and partnership among electric company executives and IBEW leaders to address the nation’s energy challenges. Through National LAMPAC, labor and management join together to achieve the common goals of running a well-managed, efficient business with a highly skilled workforce.

Named for IBEW International President Emeritus Edwin D. Hill, the award is presented to leaders who advance issues at the state and local levels. Hill, a transformative trade unionist who modernized and shepherded the IBEW through one of the deepest recessions in history, passed away in December 2018. During his tenure, the IBEW held fast to its history and traditions while making key changes to modernize and preserve the IBEW’s influence as one of North America’s most powerful voices for working people. It was also under Hill’s leadership that National LAMPAC was created.