2011 has seen the introduction of plug-in electric vehicles as production models with both the Chevy Volt and the Nissan Leaf. Other major automakers—and some newcomers to the industry—have announced their entry into the electric vehicle market with passenger cars, commercial trucks and buses in 2011, 2012 and beyond. For electrical contractors this creates an exciting new market opportunity, because electric vehicles require charging stations at home, at the workplace and in public locations. 

 

            In this new NECA workshop, NECA executive director Mike Johnston (Standards and Safety) will highlight opportunities for NECA contractors, address the role and responsibilities of the electrical contractor, and provide an overview of the unique characteristics of the EVSE installation market. The workshop provides an outline of the codes and standards that apply to this business segment, as well as tips on dealing with customers, inspectors and utilities all facing a new technology. At the conclusion of the workshop, you should have enough information to determine if EVSE installation presents a real opportunity for your company and leave with some strategies on tapping into this emerging market.

Michael Johnston is NECA’s executive director of standards and safety. Prior to working with NECA, Mike worked for the International Association of Electrical Inspectors as the director of education, codes and standards. Mike is a certified master electrical inspector through IAEI and ICC and has worked as an electrical inspector and electrical inspection field supervisor for the City of Phoenix, AZ.  Mike achieved a BS in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. He served on NEC CMP-5 in the 2002, 2005, and chair of CMP-5 representing NECA for the 2011 NEC cycle. Mike is the Chairman of the NEC Technical Correlating Committee and also currently serves on the NFPA NEC Smart Grid Task Force.  Among his responsibilities for managing the codes, standards, and safety functions for NECA, Mike is secretary of the NECA Codes and Standards Committee. Mike is a member of the IBEW and has experience as an electrical journeyman wireman, foreman and project superintendant. Johnston is an active member of IAEI, NFPA, ASSE, the NFPA Electrical Section, Education Section, the UL Electrical Council, and National Safety Council.