The latest issue of Electrical Contractor magazine details an intriguing look at the future of smart homes and the expertise with which our IBEW/NECA contractors are guiding homeowners to create a lifestyle that fits their needs.  “Imagine living in a home where all lights, appliances and control devices are intelligent and connected. Knowing your schedule, the home automation system slowly opens window shades, adjusts the room temperature, plays music and raises the lights to the preferred level. The bathroom lights turn on at the set level. The mirror displays the weather, appointments and messages. The EV is fully charged and ready to drive. Even when the house is vacant, the system continues to adjust temperature, manage energy use through smart breakers and monitor against intrusion. In the evening, the lights turn on to a dimmed level and calming warm color while music plays over speakers as a gentle welcome home.” Learn more and tap our array of residential contractors who specialize in adding comfort and convenience to homes.

One of the great attributes of our IBEW/NECA contractors is a continuous effort to fortify their culture to ultimately improve customer service. That was evident in the hiring of Sara Hannah as chief people officer at Guarantee Electrical. Hanna was profiled recently in Construction Forum.  She hails from the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute which was created by Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. Hannah noted that companies like employee-owned Guarantee must build a culture of problem solvers. “Culture is the only sustainable competitive advantage,” Hannah stated. Workers need to be able to, “get home to their family and feel like they still have something to give.” “I think the opportunity for construction is to prove that you don’t need all the perks and the glamor of industry to be known as a really good place to work. It’s entirely possible for this industry to be known for culture.” Learn more.

We sometimes take for granted all that goes into ensuring the power stays on. NECA contractor MidStates Energy’s latest blog details the essentials of routine substations maintenance to ensure “a reliable and efficient power grid.” It notes that “without proper maintenance, issues such as overheating, insulation breakdowns, and mechanical wear can emerge unnoticed. When equipment fails, power distribution halts, leading to downtime that can disrupt businesses, hospitals, manufacturing plants, and more.” A regularly schedule maintenance program also ensures reliability, safety and guards again escalating financial costs. Learn more.