As we open 2026, I am proud to reflect on what was one of the most consequential years in NETA’s history. In 2025, our Association advanced its mission of promoting safety, reliability, and technical excellence across the electrical power testing industry at a time when our work has never been more critical.
Last year marked the release of ANSI/NETA ATS–2025, strengthening the technical foundation for acceptance testing at a moment when construction schedules are accelerating and system complexity is increasing. We also welcomed the publication of NFPA 70B–2026, which aligns powerfully with our standards by providing a complementary framework for long-term electrical maintenance programs. Together, these milestones represent a major step forward in reinforcing a true lifecycle approach to electrical system reliability from initial energization through decades of operation.
Equally important in 2025 was the continued growth of our membership, the expansion of technician training and certification programs—specifically the DOL-approved apprenticeship program—and the rising recognition of NETA-accredited companies as the gold standard for independent electrical testing. As digital infrastructure, renewable energy, battery storage, and mission-critical facilities expand worldwide, NETA’s role in defining consistent, defensible testing practices has never been more visible or more valued.
The articles in this issue of NETA World reflect both the progress we have made and the challenges ahead. The feature on commissioning and acceptance testing as the foundation of lifecycle management reinforces why our standards matter—not just as technical documents, but as essential tools for protecting people, assets, and operations over the long term. And the in-depth examination of ANSI/NETA standards in data center acceptance testing highlights how our industry is adapting to AI-driven growth, modular construction, and unprecedented project timelines without compromising safety or quality.
You will also find valuable insight into transformer factory acceptance and field commissioning, underscoring the importance of baseline testing, documentation, and experienced interpretation in preserving critical assets. The case study on upgrading a line relay without an outage offers a practical reminder that innovation, teamwork, and rigorous testing can extend the life of existing infrastructure while maintaining reliability for customers and communities.
A cornerstone of our year ahead will be PowerTest 2026 in Nashville, TN. Hopefully you are reading this article while attending. Powertest continues to stand as the premier technical conference and exposition for the electrical power testing industry. Building on the strong momentum of recent years, PowerTest 2026 will bring together practitioners, engineers, manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders for an unmatched program of technical education, hands-on learning, and peer collaboration.
I encourage every member to participate whether as an attendee, presenter, exhibitor, or sponsor and to help make PowerTest 2026 another defining moment for our Association and our industry.
Looking ahead to 2026, NETA will release the updated edition of ANSI/NETA ETT 2025, Standard for Certification of Electrical Testing Technicians, ensuring that technician qualifications continue to reflect the highest levels of professionalism and technical rigor. NETA will also introduce a new ANSI-approved standard, ANSI/NETA EMW2026, Standard for Qualification of Electrical Equipment Maintenance Workers for Electrical Power Equipment & Systems®. This important addition directly supports NFPA 70B®, Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance®, and fulfills the qualification requirements for Qualified Electrical Equipment Maintenance Workers (QEMW) outlined in that standard.
As we move into 2026, NETA’s priorities are clear. We will continue to evolve our standards to keep pace with emerging technologies, support the development of the next generation of technicians, and expand our educational offerings to meet the needs of a rapidly changing industry. We will also strengthen collaboration with allied organizations and standards bodies to ensure alignment, clarity, and consistency across the broader electrical ecosystem.
Most of all, we will remain focused on our core purpose: helping our members deliver safe, reliable, and resilient power systems in a world that increasingly depends on uninterrupted electricity. The work you do often under tight schedules, complex conditions, and immense responsibility makes a tangible difference every day.
Thank you for your commitment to excellence, your engagement with NETA, and your continued support of our shared mission. I look forward to what we will accomplish together in 2026.
Dan Hook, President
InterNational Electrical Testing Association