- 22 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Happy Labor Day, NECA Members!👷♂👷♀As we head into September, we’re celebrating the hardworking men and women who power our industry and keep projects moving forward. This month’s newsletter is packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow, from our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament benefiting the Oregon Cancer Foundation, to new free NECA member tools, and the NECA + Fuser EV Charging Resource Network.
Scroll down for industry updates, safety courses, legislative news, and resources designed to help you work smarter, bid stronger, and stay ahead in a changing market.
🏌♂️ Tee Off for a Cause! ⛳
Join us for our 3rd Annual Golf Tournament — a day of fun, networking, and giving back!
📅 September 26, 2025📍 Emerald Valley Golf & Resort👥 Four-Person Scramble🥪 12:30 PM – Lunch & Registration🏌♀️ 1:30 PM – Shotgun Start🍽 5:30 PM – Dinner & Awards
🎟 Registration deadline: September 12th
Whether you’re swinging clubs or sponsoring the day, you’ll gain exposure to a wide network of industry professionals — all while supporting a great cause.
💙Proceeds from this year’s tournament will support the Oregon Cancer Foundation in honor of Ron Harvell, former Vice President of Operations at EC Electric. Ron was a highly respected leader in the electrical industry and a dedicated board member and treasurer of the Oregon Pacific Cascade Chapter of NECA.
🎟 Spots are limited — register or sponsor today!
👉 Did you catch Monique on KVAL 13 CBS? 🎥 We had the chance to spotlight the 3rd Annual Golf Tournament and share how it supports the Oregon Cancer Foundation. If you missed it, check it out HERE!
📚Education & Safety Courses
IN PERSON:
💡 NECA 2025 Chicago | Chicago, IL | Sept. 12-15
👷♂ Foreman Development Series | Central Electrical Training Center | September 19, 2025
🏗 Rigging | Crater Lake Training Center | September 22, 2025
🏗 Rigging | Driftwood Shores | September 24, 2025
WEBINAR:
📈 Today and Tomorrow: Solving the Skilled Labor Shortage with Technology and Culture | Oct. 1 | 1:00 p.m. ET
🎓 Worker’s Compensation Insurance SAIF | Webinars and Classroom Trainings available year-round
🚤 Hellgate Jetboat Excursion & Dinner
What an unforgettable day! Our members came together in Grants Pass for a thrilling Hellgate Jetboat Excursion followed by a delicious dinner at the exclusive Hellgate River Lodge Restaurant. From the breathtaking canyon views to the laughter and camaraderie shared on the water, it was truly a ride to remember.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event such a success. We had a fantastic turnout and can’t wait to bring this adventure back next year!
🛠 NECA Members Get Free Access to Document Crunch — Now with CrunchAI™ for Specifications
Construction disputes often start with one small missed detail in a contract or specification. Those oversights can spiral into delays, strained relationships, and costly battles. Now, NECA members have a powerful way to stop those problems before they start — at no cost.
As part of your NECA membership, you get a free Document Crunch account, the industry-leading AI Risk Reduction Platform. And with the recent launch of CrunchAI™ for Specifications, that platform just got even more valuable.
What’s New: CrunchAI for Specifications
This new feature scans even the most complex, 1,000-page project specs in minutes, catching vague terms, conflicting requirements, and hidden risks before they become disputes. It’s designed to:
Spot scope gaps and inconsistencies early in preconstruction
Surface critical details that can impact your estimate and execution
Provide on-the-job answers to spec questions instantly in the field
Guide your team with built-in best practices from seasoned pros
According to the 2025 Global Construction Disputes Report, unclear specifications are one of the leading causes of disputes, with an average claim value topping $60.1 million in 2024. Contract and specification reviews are the single most effective way to prevent them.
Why This Matters for NECA Contractors
Save hours on manual spec reviews and reduce bid-to-build errors
Protect profits by avoiding costly change orders and rework
Strengthen client trust by delivering with clarity and consistency
Leverage your NECA membership for cutting-edge tools without extra cost
💡 Member Tip: If you haven’t activated your free Document Crunch account yet, now is the perfect time. This tool isn’t just about protecting against risk; it’s about making your team faster, more accurate, and more competitive on every project.
⚡ Now Live: NECA + Fuser EV Charging Resource Network
The NECA + Fuser EV Charging Resource Network is officially live and exclusively available to NECA members!
Why this matters: This platform is a game-changer for contractors looking to diversify services, secure new EV charging projects, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
What You Get as a Member
📍 Access to Local EV Projects – Get matched with developers actively seeking experienced electrical contractors.
📊 Market Intelligence – Real-time insights into EV trends, demand hotspots, and upcoming opportunities.
🛠 Proposal & Installation Tools – Streamline your process from bid to build.
🎁 Free 4-Month Trial – Risk-free access to explore the full capabilities of the platform.
Why Now?
With EV adoption accelerating, contractors who position themselves early in the market stand to gain the most. The NECA + Fuser partnership connects you directly with the projects and data that can drive your growth.
🔌 How to Get Started:The Primary Contact for your NECA membership must activate your company’s account. Once activated, they can add representatives so your whole team can benefit.
📅 Don’t wait — take charge of your EV business today!
🧾Latest Oregon Revenue Forecast Shows Troubling Pattern of Declining Tax Revenue and Continued Uncertainty — An Update from Mark Long at Pac/West Lobby Group
Oregon sets its budget on a two-year basis. Matching expected revenues with planned expenses is tricky business because when the numbers don’t align, either a “kicker” is triggered and money is retuned to taxpayers, or revenue comes up short.
Oregon’s two-year budget began July 1, 2025, and state budget forecasters just released the September data which provides a picture of tax collections for the first two quarters of this year. This forecast is the first data point to see if revenue will support the planned expenses for the next two years.
Since June, revenues are down $621 million. When adjusted for impacts on the previous biennium, “kicker” formula changes, and other changes, the real number is a reduction of $845 million from June’s estimate. The actual impact to budget accounting may be less as state policymakers were cautious when crafting the budget and have set aside contingencies. For context, the state has budgeted $37.2 million in General Fund expenditures for the 2025-27 biennium. State forecasters will not know the total impact of high-income filers who may have waited until October to file tax returns. There may be a cohort of filers who typically file late or are waiting to understand the impacts of HR1 – President Trump’s tax and budget bill. By the November forecast, we should have a clearer picture of Oregon tax receipts, but not necessarily a good picture of our overall budget health.
As part of the September update, state forecasters also shared preliminary impact data for HR1. Early analysis shows a reduction of $888 million for 2025-27 due to Oregon’s connection to federal tax law and the reduction in overall taxes Oregonians will pay. Forecasters identified that tax receipts will be $1.4 billion less over the next six years ($888 million for 2025-27). And although not part of the forecast, the governor has previously identified a shortfall of federal funds coming to Oregon of about $15 billion over the next six years (about $1.1 billion for 2025-27).
HR1 impacts both tax policy (tax receipts) and federal budget policy (the amount of money Oregon receives in federal dollars). Oregon expected before HR1 to receive around $43 billion for the next two-year budget cycle.
Policymakers are rightfully concerned with all of this change and uncertainty looming. The only bright spot is that it is early in the two-year budget cycle so the data can change — possibly improve — and there is time to adjust. Additional highlights from the September presentation:
· Oregon’s population growth is slowing. Deaths outnumber births. Population growth will come from net migration. Oregon is growing slower than the rest of the country.
· Oregon’s current unemployment is higher than the US average at around 5% (nationally about 4.2%).
· Secondary metro areas such as Albany, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Salem and Medford are currently driving job creation.
· High income private sector employment (construction, manufacturing, trade, transportation, utilities) is down from 2024 to 2025. Private education, health care and government jobs are top sectors of employment growth during the same timeframe.
Policy changes at the Federal level for Oregon tax receipts in 2025-27 include:
· No tax on overtime, tips, car loan interest deduction and the SALT formula will account for about $451 million less revenue
· Business expense deductions will account for about $543 million
· Factoring in about $100 million in additional revenue based on indirect impacts and other personal and businesses provisions, Oregon’s net loss for the next two-year budget cycle is anticipated to be about $888 million
📚 Get Ready for the Supervising Electrician Exam
The Central Electrical Training Center is offering a 40-hour Supervising Electrician Exam Prep Course this December — the perfect opportunity to prepare for success and take the next step in your electrical career.
Course Details:
📅 Fridays: December 5 & 12 — 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
📅 Saturdays: December 6 & 13 — 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
📍 Central Electrical Training Center, 33309 OR-99E, Tangent, OR 97389
💲Course Fee: $1000 (CJATC will reimburse members $250!)
This comprehensive four-day course is designed to give electricians the knowledge and confidence needed to pass the Oregon Supervising Electrician Exam. With limited class sizes, attendees will receive focused instruction, practical insights, and the chance to strengthen their mastery of the material.
Don’t wait — seats are limited!👉 To register or for more information, email chad.privratsky@gmail.com or call/text 541-228-0352.
📢 Payroll Tax Update: New Online Filing Requirement for Form W-2s in 2026
The Oregon Department of Revenue (DOR) is making important changes to how employers submit payroll tax forms, and NECA contractors should plan ahead to stay compliant.
Starting with tax year 2025 (filed in January 2026), all manual Form W-2 submissions, including those created using the DOR’s iWire spreadsheet, must be filed electronically through a Revenue Online account 💻.
This change is part of DOR’s efforts to:
🔄 Streamline reporting processes
📊 Improve data accuracy
🔒 Enhance taxpayer information security
📅 January 2026 Change: Manual W-2 forms and iWire spreadsheet submissions will no longer be accepted without logging into a Revenue Online account.
Looking ahead, the change will expand further:
Beginning with tax year 2026, Form 1099 submissions, including manual and iWire spreadsheet entries, will also need to be filed through a Revenue Online account.
✅ Action Step for Contractors:If you don’t already have a Revenue Online account, create one now to avoid last-minute delays or penalties ahead of the January 31, 2026 filing deadline.
📚 Resources:
🌐 Visit the DOR iWire webpage for instructions and support.
▶ Watch tutorials on the DOR YouTube channel to learn how to create your account.
📧 Email iwire.dor@dor.oregon.gov for assistance.
⚡ Inside Washington: Executive Order Targets Faster Data Center Construction
An executive order signed by President Donald Trump on July 23, 2025, could have major implications for electrical contractors as demand for data centers continues to surge nationwide.
Key Provisions of the Order
The directive is designed to accelerate permitting and unlock financial incentives for large-scale projects, including data centers, energy facilities, and manufacturing sites. To qualify, projects must:
Cost at least $500 million, or
Consume more than 100 megawatts of electricity, or
Be designated as high-priority by federal agencies.
Qualifying projects will gain:
Streamlined environmental reviews under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act
Expanded access to federal lands
Support through grants, tax credits, and loan guarantees
Federal identification of brownfield and Superfund sites suitable for reuse
What This Means for Contractors
This move comes at a time when data center construction is driving growth across the electrical industry. Roughly one in seven contractors nationwide is currently engaged in a data center project. However, these projects are not without challenges:
Securing power often creates delays in early planning stages.
Supply chain bottlenecks—particularly for transformers, switchgear, and medium-voltage cable—can push schedules back more than a year.
Procurement decisions must be made earlier than ever to lock in costs and availability.
Contractors working in this space are urged to track material lead times closely and build flexibility into project schedules. Firms like JE Dunn Construction report they are actively monitoring medium-voltage cable, generators, transformers, structural steel, and fiber to stay ahead of disruptions.
Growing Investment
The executive order aligns with a wave of new, large-scale data center investments:
CoreWeave recently announced a $6 billion data center facility in Pennsylvania.
Google pledged more than $25 billion to expand its artificial intelligence infrastructure.
With these investments and a friendlier regulatory environment, opportunities for NECA contractors in the mission-critical/data center sector are expected to expand.
Takeaway
For contractors, this executive order represents both opportunity and responsibility. Demand for large-scale, power-intensive projects is set to grow, but so are expectations around speed, reliability, and early supply chain planning. NECA contractors positioned to deliver on these fronts will be well placed to capture market share in this rapidly evolving sector.
Read the full article on Construction Diver HERE.
🌍 Trade & Tariff Update: Key Changes Impacting Contractors
NECA is monitoring significant trade and tariff developments that could affect material costs, sourcing, and project timelines for electrical contractors.
The U.S. has signed new deals with the European Union, Japan, and Indo-Pacific nations (Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam) aimed at rebalancing trade and boosting domestic investment.
15% tariff on most EU and Japanese imports; 50% tariff on steel and aluminum remains.
EU to invest $600B in the U.S. and purchase $750B in U.S. energy over 3 years.
Japan to invest $550B in U.S. energy, semiconductors, and infrastructure.
Indo-Pacific agreements open markets for U.S. goods but impose tariffs up to 40% on certain imports from Vietnam.
Potential Impact: Contractors may see higher prices for imported metals, electrical components, and specialty tools. NECA recommends monitoring vendor pricing, exploring domestic alternatives, documenting tariff-related cost increases, and coordinating with local chapters.
The administration announced additional measures:
Canada: Tariffs raised to 35% (40% for transshipment violations).
Mexico: 25–50% tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and autos remain during extended trade talks.
South Korea: 15% tariff on imports; $100B U.S. energy purchase commitment.
Copper: 50% tariff on semi-finished copper products and electrical components effective Aug. 1.
Brazil: Tariffs raised to a total of 50%.
De Minimis: Suspension of duty-free treatment for most shipments under $800 starting Aug. 29.
Potential Impact: Copper tariffs could sharply increase costs for wire, connectors, and other electrical products, affecting budgets and timelines. NECA is advocating for relief measures, domestic supply investment, and fair implementation.
Bottom Line:Trade and tariff policies are shifting rapidly, with potential for sector-specific changes to be announced with little notice. NECA will continue to provide updates and work to protect contractor interests.
📧 Questions or concerns? Contact NECA Government Affairs: necagovtaffairs@necanet.org
All Labor Relations Alerts and Resources can be found HERE.
💰 Building the Skilled Trades Workforce: Corporate and Federal Initiatives Align
The workforce shortage in the skilled trades continues to challenge contractors across Oregon and nationwide. The good news? Both federal agencies and major U.S. corporations are stepping up with new investments aimed at expanding training opportunities and strengthening the pipeline of future electricians.
🔹 Corporate Commitment
The Business Roundtable, a coalition of U.S. CEOs, recently launched a nationwide workforce initiative led by Carrier Global Corp. and Lowe’s. Their focus: building up the trades in construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and energy.
🛠 Lowe’s has invested $43M since 2023 into grants for technical colleges, funding programs in electrical, HVAC, and other trades.
🌍 Carrier will hire 1,000 new service technicians and train 100,000 professionals over the next five years, with an emphasis on using VR/AR technology to modernize training.
According to the Roundtable, there are 20 job openings in the trades for every one new worker, underscoring the urgent need for scalable solutions.
🔹 Federal Investment
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $30M in grants through its Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. These funds — up to $8M per state workforce agency — will be directed toward employer-led programs in “high-demand and emerging industries,” including the skilled trades.
Recent examples show what this can mean on the ground: in Massachusetts, $24.2M was awarded to school districts for technical training in trades and construction, while a private employer launched a state-recognized apprenticeship program in HVAC/R and electrical.
💡 Why This Matters for Oregon NECA Contractors
Funding Opportunities: Oregon could see similar grants awarded to support JATCs, community colleges, and apprenticeship expansion.
Industry Recognition: Both government and Fortune 500 companies are validating what we’ve long known — electricians are essential to America’s infrastructure and future.
Technology & Innovation: With VR/AR and new funding streams in the mix, training may evolve rapidly, offering opportunities to bring in new talent faster and more effectively.
📢 The Takeaway
Momentum is building nationally to address the skilled trades gap. For NECA contractors in Oregon, this means:
Stay tuned for funding announcements at the state level.
Explore partnership opportunities with community colleges and training providers.
Leverage the growing visibility of the trades to recruit the next generation of electricians.
NECA will continue monitoring these developments and keep members informed on how these initiatives could benefit training programs across our region.
🦺 Hard Hat Courage: Suicide Prevention in Construction
Mental health is safety. Bechtel and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have launched Hard Hat Courage, a national initiative to confront construction’s high suicide rates and put mental health resources directly in the hands of contractors.
The program includes:
Toolbox talks to spark jobsite conversations and break stigma.
A contractor toolkit with guidance for responding after a suicide, including communication templates and crisis-response checklists.
Education and awareness resources tailored to construction workforces of all sizes.
With one of the highest suicide rates of any industry, construction can’t afford to ignore mental health. These resources are designed to fit naturally into existing safety practices, helping contractors support workers just as they protect against physical hazards.
👉 Learn more: Hard Hat Courage Initiative
Read the full article from Construction Dive HERE.
🎖 NECA Joins Forces with VIPER Transitions
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is proud to join forces with VIPER Transitions, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA), and the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) in a groundbreaking initiative to connect veterans with rewarding careers in the electrical industry.
At the heart of this effort is VIPER Transitions, whose mission is to reduce veteran suicide by addressing its root causes: unemployment, underemployment, substance abuse, homelessness, and lack of coordinated support. By helping veterans transition into stable, fulfilling electrical careers, this program provides both a pathway to success for service members and a stronger workforce for our industry.
⚡ Why This Matters for NECA Contractors
Access to Skilled Talent: Nearly 200,000 service members transition out of the military every year. Many bring valuable skills, discipline, and leadership that align perfectly with electrical contracting.
Industry Collaboration: With NECA, NEMA, NEMRA, and NAED working together, contractors gain the collective strength of manufacturers, distributors, and reps committed to supporting this workforce pipeline.
Workforce Sustainability: This initiative directly supports NECA’s mission of building a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce, while also honoring the service and sacrifice of U.S. veterans.
🤝 How You Can Get Involved
NECA contractors are uniquely positioned to offer veterans opportunities that align with their values and strengths. By participating in the VIPER Transitions program, you can:
Recruit veterans into apprenticeship and skilled positions.
Provide mentorship and training to help them succeed in civilian careers.
Support NECA’s broader workforce development initiatives while making a real difference in the lives of those who served.
📢 The Takeaway
This partnership is more than a hiring initiative; it’s a commitment to people, purpose, and progress. By welcoming veterans into the electrical industry, NECA members not only gain talented employees but also help solve a critical workforce shortage.
Together with our partners and through programs like VIPER Transitions, NECA continues to lead the charge in workforce recruitment, talent development, and building a stronger future for contractors, clients, and communities.
Read the full press release HERE.
🍊 Why There’s No Such Thing as “Apples to Apples” in Construction Bidding
You’ve probably heard it from an owner, GC, or procurement officer: “We’re comparing apples to apples.” The truth? In construction, that phrase just doesn’t work.
Construction services aren’t identical products on a grocery shelf; they’re complex, skill-driven, and unique to each provider. Yet, too often, contractors are pushed into low-bid battles that erode margins and strain relationships.
Here’s why it matters to you:
Operational Excellence = Sales Advantage
According to Chad Prinkey, CEO of Well Built Construction Consulting, winning on value starts with being demonstrably better than the competition. That means:
Running safer, more efficient, and more consistent operations
Delivering reliability and quality that buyers can see and measure
Using your operational strength to build trust — and command better margins
Breaking Out of the Low-Bid Trap
When you’re confident you’re the right choice for the job, you can shift the conversation:
Bid Requests from Strangers: Call, introduce yourself, and meet to confirm fit before bidding.
Free Preconstruction Requests: Decline without commitments in place.
Price-Driven Negotiations: Ask the decision-maker, “Price aside, who do you want on this project and why?” — then negotiate on value, not cost.
The Bottom Line
Better companies win better work. Many of the things that make a contractor superior, like leadership, communication, and process improvements, cost little to implement. Commit to excellence now, and you’ll position your firm to secure target projects at the margins you deserve.
💡 Member Tip: Use your next bid meeting to explain what sets you apart beyond price — safety record, workforce quality, project management systems, specialty expertise, and the fact that you’re a NECA member. This reinforces your commitment to industry-leading standards, training, and professionalism.
Let’s move the conversation from “apples to apples” to “We’re the orange you need.”
Read the full article from Construction Dive HERE.
🛠 Help Shape the Future of Electrical Distribution
Share your insight. Get a $10 Amazon gift card.
Contractor platforms are transforming how materials are sourced, suppliers are selected, and projects are scheduled and executed. As these tools evolve, your voice is critical in helping the industry keep pace with real jobsite needs.
The National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED) is conducting a short, 8–10 minute survey to understand how digital tools are impacting contractors, whether you use them every day or not at all.
Why Your Feedback Matters:
Your responses will help identify:
Where distributors are delivering value—or falling short
How digital platforms are influencing procurement and jobsite operations
What tools and practices actually improve efficiency
Ongoing gaps in material access, communication, or support
Your input will directly shape how electrical distributors across North America adapt to better serve contractors like you.
🎁 Bonus: Complete the survey and receive a $10 Amazon e-gift card as a thank-you.
Let’s build the future of electrical distribution—together.
⚡ Deferred Maintenance Creates Risks — and Opportunities for Contractors
Deferred maintenance has been a familiar refrain in facilities management for decades. Owners facing long lists of backlogged repairs often choose to delay action, thinking the problems can wait. But ignoring these issues not only jeopardizes buildings in the short term; it also undermines organizations’ long-term safety, security, and operational goals.
🔧 Why It Matters to Contractors
For NECA contractors, deferred maintenance is more than just an owner’s headache — it represents both risk and opportunity:
🛑 Safety & Compliance: Electrical systems are at the heart of many deferred maintenance challenges. Outdated wiring, aging switchgear, or neglected life-safety systems can lead to fire hazards, failed inspections, or code violations. Contractors can step in to help owners address these issues before they become liabilities.
🔋 Resilience & Reliability: As extreme weather, grid strain, and energy demands increase, resilience depends on strong electrical infrastructure. From backup power to redundancy, contractors can offer solutions that protect operations and prevent costly downtime.
📈 Proactive Solutions: Large backlog reports can overwhelm owners, but contractors can provide practical pathways forward — phased upgrades, predictive maintenance programs, and service agreements that spread costs and ensure steady progress.
💡 Turning Challenges Into Work Opportunities
One university deferred maintenance on its steam system until pipes froze and burst, flooding multiple buildings and delaying the start of classes. Electrical failures can have the same devastating effect if left unchecked. Contractors who position themselves as partners in long-term facility health can help owners avoid crises while building strong, lasting client relationships.
⚡ Takeaway: Deferred maintenance is a persistent issue, but for NECA contractors, it’s also a chance to demonstrate value, deliver safety and compliance, and secure ongoing work through service and modernization projects.
Read the full article at FacilitiesNet HERE.
💡 Discover How AI is Transforming the Electrical Industry
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we design, build, and power the world, and EC&M’s two-part e-book series Implementing AI in Electrical Applications explores how it’s impacting the electrical industry right now.
Part 1 covers how contractors and design firms are already using AI to streamline operations and boost efficiency.
Part 2 dives into AI’s growing influence on data centers, the electrical grid, and energy infrastructure.
Whether you're just starting to explore AI or looking to stay on the cutting edge, these e-books are essential reading.
📥 Download PART ONE
📥 Download PART TWO
📦 Top 50 Electrical Distributors of 2025: Growth, Uncertainty, and Big Investments Ahead
As economic outlooks remain mixed, the nation’s largest electrical distributors are doubling down on strategic investments, signaling long-term confidence in the future of electrical construction.
Each year, Electrical Wholesaling ranks the top 100 electrical distributors in the U.S., and this year’s list reflects a rapidly evolving market. Despite the looming question marks around tariffs, inflation, and recession risks, many distributors are pushing forward with bold expansions, acquisitions, and new service models.
🔝 Distribution Giants Still Growing
LoneStar Electric Supply continues its meteoric rise, reaching $1 billion in sales in just nine years and expanding into fast-growing markets like Nashville. Meanwhile, companies like Border States and City Electric Supply are building new branches and regional distribution centers nationwide, with Border States launching a new 300,000-sq-ft facility in Fargo, N.D.
These top 50 companies are not just surviving—they're thriving, fueled by megaprojects like data centers, semiconductor plants, hospitals, and large-scale infrastructure developments.
⚠️ Economic Outlook: Mixed Signals
Distributors are split on what’s next for the economy:
40.5% expect 10%+ revenue growth in 2025.
40.5% project more modest gains of 1%–5%.
69% say a U.S. recession is a 50/50 chance.
Key concerns include rising prices and tariff impacts. Electrical Marketing’s Price Index showed a 4% year-over-year increase this April—well above historical norms.
🤝 Acquisitions Reshape the Landscape
Mergers and acquisitions continue to shake up the Top 100. Sonepar led the charge with seven acquisitions, while WESCO, Graybar, Rexel, and CED also added major players to their portfolios. This consolidation trend is shifting supply dynamics and increasing distributor capabilities.
🧱 Branches Still Matter
Even as e-commerce grows, local service remains a priority. Distributors opened dozens of new branches in 2024, including:
City Electric Supply – 30+ new branches
Elliott Electric Supply – locations in 13 cities across the U.S.
Border States – new branches and regional hubs to better serve contractors
These investments underscore a continued commitment to local access and personal service, an important asset for contractors managing tight timelines and specialized product needs.
📊 Industry Impact: By the Numbers
Top 100 distributors generated $108.5 billion in 2024 sales.
Top 10 account for 52% of industry sales.
At least 19 distributors now exceed $1 billion in revenue.
Together, they employ more than 151,000 workers.
🛠 What This Means for NECA Contractors
The electrical supply chain continues to adapt and grow, despite challenges, creating both opportunities and pressures for contractors. Staying informed about your distributor’s capabilities, pricing shifts, and regional investments can give you a competitive edge in project planning and execution.
Want to see the full list? Visit www.ewweb.com for the complete Top 100 ranking.
🛠 OSHA Updates Penalty Guidelines to Support Small Businesses
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced updates to the penalty and debt collection procedures in OSHA’s Field Operations Manual, aiming to reduce the burden on small businesses and encourage quicker resolution of workplace hazards.
“Small employers who are working in good faith to comply with complex federal laws should not face the same penalties as large employers,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “By lowering penalties, we are supporting the entrepreneurs that drive our economy and giving them the tools they need to keep workers safe.”
Key Changes Now in Effect:
✅ Expanded Penalty Reductions for Small Employers: Businesses with up to 25 employees (previously 10) are now eligible for a 70% penalty reduction.
✅ Incentive for Immediate Hazard Correction: Employers who promptly correct hazards may now qualify for an additional 15% penalty reduction.
✅ Clean History Rewards: Employers with no prior OSHA inspections, or clean inspections within the past five years, can receive a 20% reduction.
These updates are intended to encourage small contractors to invest more in compliance and safety without facing disproportionate penalties. It’s important to note that penalties issued before July 14, 2025, will follow the old structure. However, ongoing investigations without issued penalties will fall under the new guidelines.
OSHA maintains the authority to withhold penalty reductions when adjustments do not support the goals of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
For full details, members are encouraged to review OSHA’s updated Field Operations Manual or consult our safety consultant, Vaughn Pugh, for guidance on how these changes may apply to your business.
📊 Help Launch the ELECTRI KPI Benchmarking Tool – We Need 100 Contractors!
ELECTRI International has officially launched its KPI Benchmarking Tool, designed to help electrical contractors gain deeper insights into their performance by comparing key business metrics across the industry.
This powerful new platform will offer real-time dashboards and data visualizations, but only once 100 contractors participate. That level of involvement is critical to unlock meaningful, anonymized benchmarking insights that can help drive efficiency, profitability, and strategic decision-making across the field.
How you can help:Share the tool with your contractors and encourage them to get involved. Every participant brings us one step closer to activating the full value of this tool for the entire industry.
🔗 Contact Josh Bone with any questions or to get started.
Let’s work together to build a smarter, data-driven future for electrical construction!
EV Incentive Cuts Could Slow Industry Momentum
What Federal Policy Changes Mean for Contractors
The U.S. electric vehicle (EV) and charging infrastructure market may be headed for a slowdown following recent federal policy changes that eliminate key tax incentives.
The newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill ends several EV-related tax credits well ahead of schedule:
$7,500 federal tax credit for purchasing or leasing new EVs ends September 30, 2025
$4,000 credit for used EVs also ends September 30, 2025
30% tax credit for installing residential or commercial EV chargers ends June 30, 2026
These changes follow executive actions scaling back the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program and other Inflation Reduction Act initiatives supporting EV adoption.
Industry Impact
Federal tax credits have been a major driver of EV sales and charger installations. Their removal is expected to:
Delay U.S. EV adoption by 2–3 years (Harvard Salata Institute)
Reduce the share of EVs in new vehicle sales by up to 16% by 2030 if multiple incentives are cut
Contribute to a projected 20% drop in charger installations in 2025, with potential for 30% annual declines through 2030 (Bloomberg NEF)
For contractors, this could translate to fewer EV infrastructure projects — from charger installations to electrical upgrades for manufacturing facilities, fleets, and grid improvements.
Infrastructure vs. Incentives
Some researchers suggest that building a robust charging network may be more effective than tax incentives for accelerating EV adoption. A Carnegie Mellon study in Washington state found that charger availability had a stronger influence on EV purchases than financial incentives.
However, with charger installations already down 21% year-over-year in early 2025, the reduction in both infrastructure growth and incentives could feed into a cycle of slower adoption — and fewer contracting opportunities in the near term.
What Contractors Should Watch
State & local incentives – Some may continue to offer rebates or credits even as federal programs end.
Utility programs – Many utilities are investing in EV infrastructure regardless of federal policy shifts.
Private sector demand – Fleet electrification, corporate sustainability goals, and developer-led charger installations may still drive projects.
As the policy environment shifts, NECA contractors should stay engaged with state, municipal, and utility stakeholders to identify ongoing EV infrastructure opportunities.
To read the full article at EC&M Magazine, click HERE!
⚡ Free AI Playbook: Boost Efficiency & Overcome Labor Shortages
Struggling with labor shortages and inefficiencies? You're not alone. Nearly 10,000 electricians are leaving the industry each year, while only 7,000 new ones are entering. That 30% workforce shortfall is putting serious pressure on electrical contractors across the country.
Fortunately, there's a solution—and it starts with AI.
Download the free playbook from Construction Dive’s studioID and Augmenta to discover how artificial intelligence can help you:
⚙️ Cut initial model population time by nearly 50%
🛠 Catch common errors like miscalculations and incorrect placements before they cost you
📊 Measure ROI with real-world metrics like time-to-design efficiency and labor hour savings
You’ll also gain insights from Chris Summers, Application Engineer, on the future of AI-driven workflows for electrical contractors.
🛠👷Gen Z Lags in Interest for Skilled Trades, Harris Poll Finds
Harris Poll Highlights Perception Gap — and Opportunity
A new Harris poll shows a clear disconnect between employer demand for skilled trades and how Gen Z (those 28 and younger) view them.
📊 Key Findings:
Only 38% of Gen Z think trades offer the best job opportunities
Just 36% strongly agree trades are a faster, more affordable career path than college
Many view trades as less prestigious and are concerned about job security & flexibility
Meanwhile, Baby Boomers are far more positive:
✅ Most say trades can deliver high pay
✅ Nearly half say trades offer a quicker, cheaper route to success
⚠️ Why It Matters:The skilled labor shortage is no longer “in the future” — it’s here and disrupting industries now. Employers are placing less emphasis on four-year degrees and more on real skills.
📢 How Contractors Can Help:
🎯 Promote trades as respected, future-proof careers
💵 Showcase competitive wages and career growth
🎓 Offer internships, scholarships, and community training programs
💡 Bottom line: Changing the narrative could help fill the pipeline for the next generation of electricians — and secure the future of our industry.
Full article from Construction Dive HERE!