Setting standards is an extremely important job in manufacturing. They contribute to maintaining healthy competition between companies and help ensure that products, regardless of manufacturer, meet safety and quality expectations. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is responsible for developing many of the standards that shape electrical manufacturing in the United States. NEMA is made up of a diverse group of business leaders, electrical experts, engineers, scientists and technicians.  

NEMA meets every year to discuss emerging trends in the electrical industry and to honor the best and brightest in the industry. The theme of this year’s meeting is “America’s Electrified Future.” nVent CEO Beth Wozniak sits on the NEMA Board of Governors, and nVent is a Gold Level Sponsor of this year’s meeting.  

“At nVent, we have seen the electrification of everything drive more demand for our products and solutions so I am especially excited about this year’s meeting theme,” said Wozniak. “NEMA plays an important role in our industry with its work in standards development and technical expertise, business intelligence and advocacy at all levels of government. I am honored to serve on the NEMA Board of Governers and looking forward to attending this year’s meeting.” 

Topics slated for discussion at the annual meeting include:  

• Is there broad political consensus to undertake the effort of modernizing and transforming America’s electrical system, or will debate over approach and cost undercut the effort? How will the costs and benefits of increased electrification be allocated to consumers, rate-payers, and taxpayers? 
• On the supply side, what might technological and cost breakthroughs in energy storage, EV batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and power transmission and distribution mean for electrification? What technical, policy, and regulatory barriers might impede this transition if not mitigated? 
• On the demand side, how will electrification be funded? What Federal, state, and local policies will move the needle? Will increased electricity consumption create demand for electrical products? Over what time horizon will this transition play out? 
• How can the electro industry, and NEMA in particular, catalyze electrification?