Articles from IBEW News

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Hacking the Grid: How Digital Sabotage Turns Infrastructure Into A Weapon

The January 2026 blackout in Caracas during US military operations against Venezuela demonstrated how cyber warfare targeting industrial control systems has become a precision weapon in modern conflict. Experts warn that widespread adoption of insecure distributed energy resources like residential solar inverters creates decentralized vulnerabilities, while examples like Stuxnet, Industroyer, and Volt Typhoon show nation-states are actively pre-positioning within critical infrastructure networks.

https://theconversation.com/hacking-the-grid-how-digital-sabotage-turns-infrastr…

Biz Mgr Ryerse Elected to Building Trades Post

Ray Ryerse, business manager for IBEW Local 86, has been elected president of the Rochester Building Trades Council, succeeding Grant Malone who served for five years. Ryerse, a longtime advocate for registered apprenticeship programs and jobsite safety, will lead the council representing affiliated construction trade unions across the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region.

https://rbj.net/2026/01/22/ray-ryerse-elected-rochester-building-trades-presiden…

Microsoft Agrees to Pay For Higher Electricity Consumption Due to Data Centers

Microsoft announced a "Community-First AI Infrastructure" policy ensuring communities won't bear the full cost of electricity consumption and grid expansion from its data centers, following Trump administration pressure. The company's commitment comes as IEA estimates US datacenter electricity demand could triple by 2035, from 200 to 640 terawatt-hours annually.

https://insidermonkey.com/blog/microsoft-corporation-agrees-to-pay-for-higher-el…

Report: Wind and Solar Overtook Fossil Fuels for EU Power Generation in 2025

Wind and solar generated 30% of EU electricity in 2025, surpassing fossil fuels at 29% for the first time, driven by a surge in solar installations that grew 20% for the fourth consecutive year. Energy think tank Ember reports coal power fell to a record low of 9.2%, though gas generation rose 8% due to lower hydropower availability, lifting import costs to 32 billion euros.

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jan/22/wind-and-solar-overtook-foss…

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