A bright future for IBEW Local 143
Last year’s announcement by Constellation Energy that it will restart Unit 1 at the Three Mile Island (TMI-1) nuclear power plant marks a pivotal moment for central Pennsylvania’s energy sector — and a significant opportunity for members of IBEW Local 143.
As the region prepares for a new era of clean energy production, the work required to bring TMI-1 back online will drive job growth by creating 100 to 150 jobs for members of IBEW Local 143.
The impact of AI
In 2019, Three Mile Island’s lone working nuclear reactor was retired due to economic factors, and work ensued to decommission the plant. Now, six years later, members of the building trades are poised to re-enter the facility and work to refire TMI-1. The second reactor will not be restarted.
Big tech has led the recent surge in U.S. electricity demand by building more datacenters, which are needed to expand technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing. Nuclear energy, which is carbon-free and more reliable than energy sources such as solar and wind, has become a popular option for technology companies with uninterrupted power needs and climate pledges.
In September 2024, Microsoft agreed to purchase energy from Three Mile Island to power its growing number of datacenters, as the tech giant continues to push artificial intelligence growth. The deal is for 20 years, and TMI-1 will provide about 835 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to power about 700,000 homes, according to Microsoft.
The restoration: Powering up with union skill
Restoring a nuclear reactor is a complex, multi-phase process that demands the highest standards of safety, expertise, and teamwork. For IBEW Local 143 members, this means:
- Electrical System Overhaul: Crews will inspect, repair and upgrade critical electrical systems, including power distribution, control wiring and backup safety circuits.
- Instrumentation and Controls: Technicians will recalibrate and replace sensors, meters, and control panels vital for safe plant operation.
- Compliance and Testing: Every system must meet rigorous NRC and industry standards. IBEW members will play a central role in testing, troubleshooting and certifying equipment.
The restoration phase will create between 100 and 150 jobs for IBEW Local 143 members, offering both seasoned professionals and apprentices hands-on experience while earning good wages and benefits.
Long-term maintenance means sustained opportunities
Once TMI-1 is operational, ongoing maintenance becomes critical for safety, reliability and efficiency. For Local 143 members, this means:
- Routine Inspections: Regular checks of wiring, transformers, switchgear and emergency systems to prevent issues before they arise.
- Upgrades and Modernization: As technology evolves, the plant will require periodic updates of certain systems, opening doors for members trained in the latest technology.
- Outage Support: Scheduled refueling and maintenance outages will bring additional, high-demand work, often requiring expanded crews.
- Safety and Compliance: IBEW electricians are trusted to uphold strict regulatory standards, ensuring the plant remains a model of operational excellence.
Economic impact: Building community strength
The TMI-1 restart is more than just a technical project — it’s an economic catalyst for the region. The influx of union construction jobs will:
- Boost local employment and support central Pennsylvania families.
- Strengthen the area’s skilled workforce pipeline.
- Provide apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities for the next generation of union electricians.
Be prepared to make history
The Three Mile Island project will mark a first for the U.S. nuclear industry — the restarting of a decommissioned nuclear power plant — and IBEW Local 143 members are at the forefront of this history-making project.
Through collective bargaining, IBEW Local 143 ensures members benefit from competitive wages, comprehensive benefits and safe working conditions. The union’s commitment to ongoing training means members are always ready for the evolving demands of the nuclear industry. They will be prepared to resurrect a retired nuclear generator, something nobody else has done before.