Duke Energy accused of using illegal workers


Electrical Commissioning In Industrial Power Systems

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$599
Coupon Price:
$499
Reserve Your Seat Today
A local electrical worker's union is accusing Duke Energy of using illegal immigrants as workers at power plants in the Tri-state area.

The union says Duke Energy used a contractor, Sunbelt Insulation, based out of Greer, South Carolina.

And according to the IBEW, that company hired illegal immigrants – more than a hundred of whom worked for Duke Energy in five different power plants in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky – at various times over the past few years.

The union says they have documents, including recordings of conversations which were gathered by the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators union.

These conversations, they say, show that Sunbelt Insulation not only employed illegal immigrants who ended up working in Duke power plants, but purchased fake social security cards and falsified I-9 documents for those workers.

"We've got people in this area who want jobs," said IBEW Local 1347 Business Manager Stephen Feldhaus.

"That's what we're upset about," said Feldhaus. "And then the fact that you've got illegals in there and you have no background checks, they're not doing any background checks. So it's putting our members' safety at risk."

Duke Energy says they've done an internal investigation and had a third party investigate the matter.

They say those investigations showed that Sunbelt Insulation did have the proper documents for their workers.

"Everything that we require based on the federal guidelines was completely in order, we were very pleased with the outcome," Duke spokesperson Johnna Reeder said about the investigations.

"However, we did turn it over to the federal authorities who will then in turn decide if everything followed the proper documentation, and if there were any discrepancies," said Reeder.

Both Duke Energy and the IBEW say they've provided all of their documentation to the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office.

Related News

Hitachi freezes British nuclear project, books $2.8bn hit

Hitachi UK Nuclear Project Freeze reflects Horizon Nuclear Power's suspended Anglesey plant amid Brexit uncertainty,…
View more

Opinion: The dilemma over electricity rates and innovation

Canadian Electricity Innovation drives a customer-centric, data-driven grid, integrating renewable energy, EVs, storage, and responsive…
View more

Electricity Payouts on Biggest U.S. Grid Fall 64 Per Cent in Auction

PJM Capacity Auction Price Drop signals PJM Interconnection capacity market shifts, with $50/MW-day clearing, higher…
View more

Cheaper electricity rate for customers on First Nations not allowed, Manitoba appeal court rules

Manitoba Hydro Court Ruling affirms the Public Utilities Board exceeded its jurisdiction by ordering a…
View more

Sub-Saharan Africa has a huge electricity problem - but with challenge comes opportunity

Sub-Saharan Africa Energy Access faces critical deficits; SDG7, clean energy finance, off-grid solar, and microgrids…
View more

Rio Tinto Completes Largest Off-Grid Solar Plant in Canada's Northwest Territories

Rio Tinto Off-Grid Solar Power Plant showcases renewable energy at the Diavik Diamond Mine in…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Live Online & In-person Group Training

Advantages To Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-Led Course, Customized Training, Multiple Locations, Economical, CEU Credits, Course Discounts.

Request For Quotation

Whether you would prefer Live Online or In-Person instruction, our electrical training courses can be tailored to meet your company's specific requirements and delivered to your employees in one location or at various locations.