April 2026 | The Power Line

Shortcuts: Key Updates | Market Outlook | NEC® Updates | Product Updates | Resources & Tools | Safety Spotlight

Right now, the industry is full of challenges — from extreme weather and economic uncertainty to rising costs and labor issues.

However, opportunity lies in challenging times — and we can help you create opportunity! Here’s how:

• Our deep inventory levels help minimize the impact of volatile product costs.
• Our portfolio of services helps navigate labor shortages and save time on the jobsite.
• Our supplier portfolio provides a one-stop-shop experience, improving cash flow and minimizing backend administration.

Reach out to your local Crescent team today to find out what we can do for you! 

Key Updates

• Congratulations are in order! We’re pleased to announce two well-deserved promotions:  Ryan Micheletto to National Vice President of Construction Sales and Justin Hall to National Vice President of Industrial Sales. In their new roles, Ryan and Justin will lead continued growth across the company while developing and executing strategic plans to expand and strengthen their respective markets.  
• We’re growing! Our new Phoenix Distribution Center continues to progress. Racking, power, and communications are all installed. Our Des Moines Project & Services Center is ready to start serving your project needs. We have two new branches slated to open in early summer — and we’re also refreshing 20 branches throughout the year.  
• More inventory arriving in Denver! To better meet your needs, we’re investing in significantly deeper inventory levels across nearly every product category. Reach out to your local Denver area sales rep to get the latest information about what’s already here and what’s on its way.  
• Counter Days are coming. As spring approaches and the weather improves, make sure to check out our calendar of Branch Events and Counter Days being held across the country. 

Market Outlook

• Commodity Update: Copper 

Copper pricing has remained elevated and volatile throughout the first quarter of 2026, exceeding expected targets. Markets continue to react to strong demand across electrical infrastructure, data centers, EV charging, and renewable energy projects.

Copper prices hit record highs early in 2026, briefly exceeding $14,500 per metric ton in January*. While strong demand was central to these prices, other factors contributing to copper’s high costs included:

• • • Supply disruptions
    • Slow project development
    • Emerging supply deficits
    • Trade policy uncertainty, stockpiling, and shifting global demand 

 _{*Reuters | "Copper lurches to record high above $14,000 as speculators pile in."}

• Contractor Opportunities 

Several construction trends are creating steady opportunities for electrical contractors in 2026, particularly in projects tied to building upgrades and residential development. These trends include: 

Electrical Service Upgrades 
As facilities add electrical load, many buildings are reaching the limits of existing electrical infrastructure. Service upgrades, panel replacements, and transformer upgrades are becoming more common as building owners modernize electrical systems to support increased power demand.

Lighting Retrofits & Controls 
LED retrofits remain a cost-effective way for building owners to save energy and improve lighting. Warehouses, schools, offices, and industrial facilities continue to pursue lighting upgrades, often paired with lighting controls to meet energy code requirements and qualify for utility rebates.

Multifamily Housing Construction 
Multifamily housing development continues to drive electrical work in many regions. Apartment complexes, mixed-use developments, and townhome projects typically involve repeatable electrical installations across multiple units, creating consistent project opportunities for contractors focused on residential and light commercial construction.

Reach out to your local Crescent rep to explore how we can help you create your own opportunities in these spaces! 

Key Regulatory & Code Updates – National Electrical Code® (NEC)

Are you up to speed on the 2026 NEC updates? Designed to enhance safety, streamline compliance, and adapt to new technology, the NEC is your guide to staying ahead of the curve in a fast-changing industry.

Here’s a snapshot of what you need to know.

• Arc-flash labeling expansion
  • Arc-flash hazard labels are now required on a broader range of commercial and industrial equipment.
  • Labels must include voltage, arc-flash boundary, PPE requirements, and assessment dates.
• Working space requirements
  • Equipment access rules were updated to ensure electrical equipment doors can open fully without obstruction to improve safety during maintenance.
• Load calculation changes
  • Some lighting load calculations and residential demand factors have been revised to reflect modern energy usage and LED adoption.
• Code structure changes
  • Some sections of the NEC are being reorganized to accommodate new technologies and simplify navigation for future updates.  

Support to help you run your business and maximize your profits.

This month, we’re highlighting Lighting Suppliers that offer online and mobile design tools. Click on the links to learn more. 

Acuity Brands — Visual® Lighting 

Cooper Lighting — Light ARchitect 

RAB Lighting — EZ Layout 3 

LEDVANCE — Lighting Layout Tool 

Current Lighting — DesignSuite 

Signify — Instruct Design Software 

Safety Spotlight: PPE

Staying safe on a jobsite starts with having the right PPE — and using it. From safety glasses and arc-rated clothing to insulated tools, PPE is what stands between a regular day on the job and a serious incident.

Read More Here