The EnergIzer

December 15, 2007

Volume 2, Issue 1

E&I recently received information on new laws from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry and the Iowa Department of Safety for 2008. Both states are now requiring that all electricians be licensed or registered by the state.

 

The law for Minnesota simply added on to the existing licensing program. All electricians who do not have a license will need to be registered by the state.

 

Iowa is creating a new state electrical licensing program by which all electricians will either need to be licensed or registered with the state. Those that currently hold a city or county license will still be able to continue work in that city or county without a state license. However, once that individual leaves the particular city or county they hold the license in, they will be required to hold a state license.

Also, Iowa is in the process of developing reciprocal agreements with other states. Individuals who hold licenses in other states will need to stay informed about which states Iowa forms reciprocal agreements with in the future.

 

E&I has recently changed the policy concerning registration and license fees. Individuals will be required to cover the full cost for the license or registration for each state. However, employees are able to pay these fees through payroll deduction.

 

More information on state licensing and registration, along with applications, can be obtained from the main office or the following websites:

 

IA: www.dps.state.ia.us/fm/electrician/index.shtml

MN: www.doli.state.mn.us/license.html

Did you know?

Basic Electricity Statistics—taken from the Energy Information Administration for 2006:

· U.S. Consumption (Retail Sales): 3,816,845,452 million kilowatthours

· Largest Utilities by Retail Sales: Florida Power & Light Company—103,652,914 thousand kilowatthours

· U.S. Production (Net Generation): 4,064,702 million kilowatthours

   Taken from: <http://www.eia.doe.gov/neic/quickfacts/quickelectric.html> 12 December, 2007