Trends

|

January 22, 2026

email print

January 2026 | The Power Line

email print

Shortcuts: Market Updates | Product Updates

 

Happy New Year! 2026 is here and we are looking forward to a great year with you!

As we step into 2026, we want to start by saying thank you. Your trust and partnership continue to drive everything we do. The new year brings new opportunities across the industry, and we’re optimistic about what’s ahead.

Several market trends are shaping a strong outlook for 2026.

  • Data center expansion continues nationwide as demand for cloud computing, AI, and digital infrastructure accelerates. This expansion will drive accelerated need for power distribution, backup systems, and high-capacity electrical solutions.
  • Wastewater and water treatment projects are gaining momentum, supported by long-term infrastructure investment and modernization efforts. These facilities often require complex, reliable, code-compliant products & systems.  Planning, project management, and product availability matter more than ever.
  • On the construction side, we’re seeing steady activity in general commercial construction, particularly in healthcare, light industrial, and public-sector projects. Residential construction and remodeling remain important as homeowners invest in upgrades, energy efficiency, and electrical capacity to support modern living.
  • At the same time, we recognize there are challenges to navigate in 2026. Labor shortages, project scheduling pressure, and pricing volatility, especially for commodities, remain real considerations. Code updates and evolving product standards also continue to add complexity. That’s where preparation, product knowledge, and dependable supply partners make a difference.

Our role is to help you stay ahead. We’re focused on providing services, products, solutions, and real-world guidance to help you bid smarter, plan better, and keep jobs moving.

As the year gets underway, we encourage you to connect with your local branch or account manager. Let’s talk about upcoming projects, market conditions, and how we can support your goals in 2026.

 

Market Updates

 

  • Copper Pricing

Copper pricing is expected to remain elevated and volatile throughout 2026. Ongoing global supply constraints due to mining capacity and shutdowns coupled with persistent strong global demand across a variety of sectors, including EVs, data centers, electrification, and general commercial construction.
 
U.S. Copper prices have ranged from a low of $3.99/lb in January 2025 to a high of $5.79/lb in July 2025. Copper closed at $5.27/lb on December 11, 2025. Forecasts ranges for 2026 from multiple sources indicate Copper prices may dip as much as 10% below current levels to they may rise as much as 10% above current levels. However, any significant macroeconomic changes, e.g. interest rate cuts, significant demand changes, worsening supply constraints, will have strong material impact to any of the forecasts currently available.
 
Partnering with Crescent gives you access to our purchasing power with Suppliers to get the best cost possible for your projects. Crescent is here to help you complete your projects on time and on budget.
 
Before you quote your next job, call your Crescent sales rep and get a quote from us to keep you as competitive as possible in these unpredictable times.
 
 
 
 

Source / Scenario

Forecast Cost Per Metric Ton (USD)

Forecast Cost per Pound (USD)

Forecast Date

Notes

Reuters Analyst Poll (Median)

$10,500/t

$4.76/lb

10/27/2025

Median of 30 analysts — market tightening from mine disruptions and deficits. Source: Reuters

Morgan Stanley (Base Case)

$10,650/t

$4.83/lb

12/3/2025

Structural demand growth + supply risk; upside bullish scenario to $12,780/t ($5.80/lb). Source: Investing.com

Morgan Stanley (Bull Case)

$12,780/t

$5.80/lb

12/3/2025

High demand + persistent supply constaints

Goldman Sachs (H1 2026 Avg)

$10,710/t

$4.86/lb

12/3/2025

Forecast lifted for first half of 2026 amid constrained supply. Source: TradingView

Goldman Sachs (Range Forecast)

$10,000–$11,000/t

$4.54–$4.99/lb

10/10/2025

Analysts expect 2026/27 prices in this trading range due to mix of tightness and surplus pressures. Source: Reuters

Deutsche Bank

$10,600/t

$4.81/lb

11/26/2025

Supply squeeze due to production constraints; peaks above $11,000/t in 2026 first half. Source Investing.com

UBS (Outlook Targets)

$11,500–$13,000/t

$5.21–$5.90/lb

11/24/2025

Multiple target points through 2026 — strong electrification demand + supply constraints. Source: Reuters

Bank of America (BofA)

~$11,313/t

~$5.13/lb

9/29/2025

Strong demand + mine disruption scenarios potentially push 2026 prices higher. Source: MINING.COM
 
 

Product Updates

 

  • Compact Fluorescent and Fluorescent Lamp Bans

Many states across the U.S. have enacted, or will be enacting, bans on Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and Fluorescent Lamps (FL). Additional states are considering introducing legislation to implement CFL & FL bans. These bans make it illegal to sell many types of CFL & FL products.
 
 
 

 

 

CFL

CFL

FL

Ban Status*

State

Screw / Bayonet-Base

Pin-Base

Linear Fluorescent

Active

California

1/1/2024

1/1/2025

1/1/2025

Active

Colorado

1/1/2025

1/1/2025

1/1/2025

Active

Hawaii

1/1/2025

1/1/2026

1/1/2026

Active & Pending

Illinois

1/1/2026

1/1/2027

1/1/2027

Active

Maine

1/1/2025

1/1/2026

1/1/2026

Pending

Maryland*

7/1/2026

7/1/2026

7/1/2026

Pending

Massachusetts

1/1/2027

1/1/2027

1/1/2027

Active

Minnesota

1/1/2025

1/1/2026

1/1/2026

Pending

New York

1/1/2028

1/1/2028

1/1/2028

Active

Oregon

1/1/2024

1/1/2025

1/1/2025

Active

Rhode Island

1/1/2024

1/1/2025

1/1/2025

Active

Vermont

2/17/2023

1/1/2024

1/1/2024

Pending

Washington

1/1/2029

1/1/2029

1/1/2029

Pending

New Mexico

7/1/2027

7/1/2027

7/1/2027
 
 
 
With legislatures and end users, making safety, efficiency, and sustainability more important, now is the time to fully adopt and convert to LED based products.
 
While LED lamps may be slightly more expensive on the front end, the total cost of ownership (TCO) is substantially less through lower electrical usage, less frequent replacement, and less expensive disposal.
 
With everything from basic A19 to 4ft T8 Linear to HID LED replacements, Crescent, and the companies Powered by Crescent – Lowe, Stoneway, and Womack, have all the LED lamp products you need. 
 
Call, or stop by your local Crescent Branch, to talk to your Crescent about your lamp needs and let us show you how to convert your business, increase your profitability, and stay ahead of the legislation.

Connect With Our Team

Stay ahead with Crescent Electric’s market insights and expert support. This Power Line edition brings you timely analysis and trends to help you make informed business decisions in 2026.

If you have questions about the data, want help interpreting the trends, or need tailored support for your specific application or project, our team is ready to help.

Fill out the form below to connect directly with our experts. View upcoming events by clicking here.

Disclaimer