The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has signed a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) to build a $1.3 billion, 580-mile transmission line across the States of Arizona and New Mexico as part of the largest renewable energy project in North American History.

The line will connect the Sun Zia Clean Energy Transmission and Wind Infrastructure Project and its more than 3,500 MW of renewable wind power to communities throughout the Southwest.

Developer Pattern Energy estimates the $5 billion project will power more than three million homes annually when complete, all while creating more than 2,000 construction jobs.

IBEW International President Kenneth Cooper said: “The Men and Women of the IBEW are proud to partner with Pattern Energy and Quanta Services, Incorporated on this historic energy infrastructure project.  SunZia won’t just slash carbon emissions, but create good, Middle Class jobs throughout the region and this transmission PLA guarantees that.  More good-paying, Union jobs will create an economic ripple effect throughout Arizona and New Mexico, pouring money back into local communities.  The IBEW leads the way in recruiting and training the highly-skilled workforce needed to build out a clean energy infrastructure and a resilient and modern grid.  As the best trained, most experienced Electrical Workers in North America, the IBEW is ready to play a leading role in America’s renewable energy future by getting to work making SunZia a reality.”

The IBEW represents 820,000 Members and Retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: IBEW Signs Agreement for Largest Renewable Energy Project in North American History