EVITP a Necessary Component

Key to this plan are 500,000 new electric vehicle charging stations and the standardization of the buildout of the nation’s EV infrastructure. The IBEW is pressing lawmakers to ensure that the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) is included in any legislation. The EVITP program has been developed through collaboration among the IBEW, automobile and energy storage device manufacturers, utilities, electrical contractors, state and local electrical inspectors and the national fire protection agency.

“Without proper credentialing, the EV buildout will be vulnerable to unscrupulous companies hiring unqualified workers, paying low wages and contributing to the race-to-the- bottom mentality that is already rampant in the renewable energy industry,” Stephenson said.