• Posted: June 10, 2026
• Chicago Electrical Contractors, Electrical Construction Chicago, Electrical Maintenance Programs, Find an electrical contractor in Chicago, IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship, Mission-Critical Electrical Infrastructure, NFPA 70B Compliance

Inside this edition of The Power of Better newsletter, you’ll hear from Meade Electric Company Inc., explore Nicole Larkin’s path through the electrical trade as an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 apprentice, access new NFPA 70B fact sheets, and learn more about the resources and contractors helping power electrical construction projects across Chicago and Cook County.

Download our NFPA 70B Fact Sheets

NFPA 70B is now a requirement, making electrical maintenance a critical part of facility operations. To help you understand what this means and how to stay compliant, Powering Chicago has developed a series of fact sheets focused on key aspects of NFPA 70B.

Each fact sheet breaks down a specific part of the standard, from understanding requirements to implementing and maintaining a compliant Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP).

Download each fact sheet below:

• From Recommendation to Requirement: What NFPA 70B Now Means for Your Facility 
• NFPA 70B Compliance: Learn how compliance impacts safety, performance, and risk
• How to Implement an Electrical Maintenance Program for NFPA 70B Compliance
• Why Training and Qualifications Matter Under NFPA 70B: Understand the role of qualified personnel in maintenance

Use these resources to better understand NFPA 70B requirements and take the steps needed to keep your facility safe, compliant, and operating reliably.

Nicole Larkin: Building a Future Through the Electrical Trade

Nicole Larkin’s path into the electrical trade wasn’t something she originally planned. Today, she’s a fifth-year IBEW Local 134 apprentice balancing life on active jobsites while also navigating life as a new mother.

After earning two bachelor’s degrees and entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, Larkin was encouraged by her father, an IBEW Local 134 electrician, to explore the trade. What started as a suggestion quickly turned into a career built on hands-on training, long-term opportunity, and continuous growth.

Through the apprenticeship, Larkin has developed technical skills, leadership experience, and the confidence to take on greater responsibility in the field. The career has also provided stability for her family and a clear path forward as she continues building her future in the industry.

Her story also reflects the strong support systems that exist across the electrical industry, from mentorship on the jobsite to relationships built through organizations like the Sisters of Local 134. Read Nicole Larkin’s full story and learn how the electrical trade continues to create opportunities for the next generation of skilled professionals.

Download our Find a Contractor Fact Sheets

Choosing the right electrical contractor directly impacts your project’s safety, performance, and long-term success. To help guide that decision, Powering Chicago has developed a series of fact sheets focused on how to evaluate and select the right partner for your project.

Each fact sheet focuses on a key part of the contractor selection process, from defining your needs to evaluating qualifications and safety.

Download each fact sheet below:

• How to Find the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Project
• 8 Ways to Evaluate Whether an Electrical Contractor is Qualified
• How to Measure Quality and Value in an Electrical Contractor
• Electrical Contractor Safety: What You Need to Know Before Hiring
  

Use these resources to make informed decisions and move forward with the right contractor for your project.

The Powering Chicago Difference: Meade Electric

Meade Electric has a 117-year legacy of delivering high-quality electrical work across Chicago and Cook County. As a family-owned company, they pride themselves on their customer relations and the longstanding reputation they have built, which has contributed to their success in completing complex projects across the transit, infrastructure, utilities, industrial, commercial, and mission-critical sectors.

Unlike many industries, Meade doesn’t rely on marketing. Instead, their reputation is built on their legacy of delivering high-quality services and prioritizing innovation. From major CTA modernization efforts and data centers to EV charging infrastructure near O’Hare Airport, Meade Electric’s work reflects both generational expertise and future-focused innovation. Through the use of advanced tools such as building information model (BMI)  and a highly trained IBEW Local 134 workforce, Meade continues to set the standard for quality, precision, and long-term performance. They embody the Powering Chicago mission to build better construction, careers, and communities.

Learn more about the Powering Chicago Difference and Meade Electric by reading here.

Use Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool

Finding the right electrical contractor is one of the most important decisions in any project. The experience, training, and capabilities of your contractor directly impact safety, timelines, and overall performance.

Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool helps simplify that process by connecting you with qualified electrical contractors across Chicago. You can search by service, specialty, and certifications, making it easier to identify contractors who align with your specific project needs.

Whether you’re planning upgrades, new construction, or ongoing maintenance, the tool provides a reliable starting point backed by contractors who understand local codes, permitting requirements, and industry standards.

Start your search using Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool