The electrical workforce is changing – and benefits, training, and leadership are being tested in real time. Luke Kuhl, Executive Chairman of the Twin Cities Chapter of NECA, shares frontline insights on how contractors are navigating AI-driven demand, data center expansion, wage pressure, and the growing need for specialized talent.

The conversation also explores why strong leadership (not just new technology) will determine who thrives, and what these shifts mean for small contractors, union members, and the future of fringe benefits in the trades.

Tune in to this episode as we explore:

(00:50) Luke Kuhl’s work at NECA

(04:46) Rising costs and market consolidation

(08:14) Future workforce needs in data centers

(13:41) Contractor roles and union politics

(17:12) Small contractors struggling to compete

(22:59) The future of computing and energy

(26:36) Challenges facing unionized electrical contractors

(27:43) Uncertainty in a union electrician's career

(32:50) Standardization challenges in the electrical code

(36:18) The future of fault-managed power

(38:08) AI’s ripple effect on innovation

(43:24) Innovation among large contractors

Links mentioned in the episode:

Twin Cities NECA

Luke Kuhl’s LinkedIn

Planet Money: What AI Data Centers Are Doing to Your Electric Bill

https://www.npr.org/2025/12/19/nx-s1-5649814/ai-data-center-electricity-bill

Smart Talks w/ IBM: Creating Smarter Business with AI and Quantum

https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/smart-talks/creating-smarter-business-with-ai-and-quantum?act2

Luke Recommended Best Podcast for Understanding Data Centers:

Step Change: Data Centers - The Hidden Backbone of Our Modern World

https://www.stepchange.show/data-centers

Luke Recommended Best Company-Focused Discussion of AI and Data Centers:

Acquired: Google - The AI Company

https://www.acquired.fm/episodes/google-the-ai-company

Have feedback or guest ideas? Email us at onthefringe@corelliansoft.com

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