The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has introduced NEMA Academy, an online learning platform to enhance technical training and workforce development in the electroindustry. The platform offers over 1,400 courses and certifications in various topics, including NEMA standards and industrial automation. "The launch of NEMA Academy reflects our commitment to building a skilled workforce prepared to lead in an era of rapid change," said NEMA President and CEO Debra Phillips, adding expanded access to learning would support members and "strengthen the foundation for long-term industry growth and resilience."

Copper demand in the US is set to surge over the next decade, driven by the rapid expansion of data centers and the increasing adoption of AI. Analysts project an 8.9% compound annual growth rate in copper consumption from energy transition sectors, with robust growth expected in AI-powered data centers. "AI from now to 2035 is the big story; it's growing very fast. A year ago, we were saying 2035 would be the pickup in EVs. Now AI is the bigger story… at least in the US," said Don Leavens, chief economist and senior vice president at NEMA.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission's 2025 Electric Power Outlook Report highlights a significant increase in electricity demand, driven primarily by the rapid expansion of data centers, electric vehicles and other large energy users. The state saw a nearly 3 percent growth in electricity usage in 2024, with further industrial demand expected over the next five years.

Battery energy storage systems are an emerging solutions to help balance surging power demand from data centers, particularly those owned by major tech companies. The US has more than 5,400 operational data centers and the Energy Department expects the industry could use up to 12% of US electrical generation within three years.

The Edison Electric Institute is pressing Congress to revamp federal permitting laws, arguing that outdated and lengthy processes are hindering critical energy infrastructure projects and inflating consumer costs. EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney emphasized that current permitting and siting rules, along with related litigation, can significantly delay or halt projects needed to meet rising energy demands.

California's latest energy package eliminates funding for the Demand Side Grid Support and Distributed Electricity Backup Assets programs, both of which were designed to enhance grid reliability by utilizing distributed energy resources such as batteries, electric vehicles and solar panels. Despite previous expectations of over $400 million in funding through 2028, budget constraints and a $12 billion shortfall led to the programs being left unfunded in final negotiations.

The US has begun the formal review process for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, inviting public comments over the next 45 days. The review will culminate in reports to Congress evaluating the deal's effectiveness and outlining possible changes or the US position on extending the agreement. The process is expected to be contentious, given the current trade climate and the looming 2026 mandatory joint review deadline.

Rodatherm Energy has raised $38 million to advance a pilot geothermal project in Utah using refrigerants in a closed-loop system instead of water to potentially lower costs and water intensity. The technology is ideal for hot sedimentary rock, making it a good fit for basins in the Western US and the Gulf Coast. Federal tax credits and fast-track regulatory efforts under President Donald Trump bode well for the industry, said CEO Curtis Cook.

Volkswagen's new "unified" battery cell is set to debut in VW's Electric Urban Car Family in 2026, with plans for wide-scale adoption across up to 80% of its EV models by 2030. The prismatic cell is designed for flexibility, accommodating multiple chemistries and form factors, and will be integrated directly into battery packs using cell-to-pack technology.

US industrial production increased by 0.1% in August as motor vehicle production and some mining activity picked up, according to Federal Reserve data. Manufacturing output rose 0.2% and durable goods production rose by 0.2%, while nondurable goods rebounded by 0.3% following a July decline. Capacity utilization rose by 0.1% to 76.8%.