New Generation Boosts Electrical Contractor Services

BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new generation of "super contractors" is proactively reshaping the electrical contracting business, according to the latest independent research from Electrical Contractor magazine. Seven in 10 firms now perform design/build or design/assist work, and eight in 10 electrical contractors have a medium or high ability to influence overall electrical design. Approximately 20 percent use Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 26 percent expect to use it in the next two to three years.

“Electrical contractors are increasingly adopting new roles within both the renovation and new construction markets to add owner value, increase efficiency and broaden their key specification role across all low-voltage building systems. They're uniquely qualified to do so.”

"The times they have a-changed," said Electrical Contractor Publisher John Maisel, channeling Bob Dylan. "Electrical contractors are increasingly adopting new roles within both the renovation and new construction markets to add owner value, increase efficiency and broaden their key specification role across all low-voltage building systems. They're uniquely qualified to do so.”

New generation roles and services include:

Building Information Modeling (BIM) Expert: Typically filled by the general contractor, BIM is becoming an integral part of the electrical contractor’s work to help eliminate problems before construction
BIM Modeler: The electrical contractor's designated BIM user can be responsible for just the project’s electrical system model
Energy Management Solutions (EMS) Provider: Typically involving wireless building solutions, electrical contractors have the local business relationships with companies who can benefit from EMS solutions and can both install and support the systems
Master Systems Integrator (MSI): Many electrical contractors are transitioning toward system integration; those with extensive domain expertise and strong IT skills can manage an even larger percentage of the project
Building Energy Modeling Expert: Typically handled by the architect, a holistic energy model could be assumed by a knowledgeable, trained and experienced electrical contractor
Commissioning Agent: Often third-party providers who ensure the system works as designed and intended, an electrical contractor can provide this service for the electrical system
Energy Solutions Provider or Auditor: The electrical contractor acts as an adviser to the end-user, relative to the energy solutions that can be implemented within the electrical system itself
Energy Service Companies (ESCOs): As developing technology converges with the electrical infrastructure, the electrical contractor is ideally situated to play the role of adviser and installer to the end-user as energy advisers and agents for change