August 2026 | The Power Line
Jump To: Key Updates | In the Know | Market Outlook | Supplier Showcase | Price Increases | Safety Spotlight 
August 11, 2026
The electrical industry continues to evolve.
Over the past year, we've seen manufacturers merge, acquire new brands, restructure product portfolios, and, in some cases, exit the market altogether. While these changes can create uncertainty, they also reinforce the importance of having a knowledgeable partner who understands the market and will help you navigate it.
No matter how the manufacturer landscape changes, our commitment remains the same. We're here to help you develop solutions, identify product alternatives, manage supply chain challenges, maintain specification continuity, and keep your projects moving forward on time and on budget.
Backed by strong supplier relationships, broad inventory, and experienced associates, you can count on us to remain a trusted partner focused on helping your business succeed.
Reach out to learn more!
Key Updates
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New Boise location. Our new facility is now open and ready to welcome you in! Stop by and see us at 4911 W. Grand Mogul Dr., Suite 110, Boise, ID.
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New Nampa location. Our new Nampa location is now open, too! Come check things out at 17100 N. Figjam Ave., Suite 190, Nampa, ID.
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Stronger together! Interstate Electric Supply, Powered by Crescent, is now Crescent Electric Supply Company. The change reflects our ongoing commitment to the residential, industrial, and automation segments of the electrical market. While the name has changed, our dedicated staff and commitment to the success of your business have not.
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Des Moines Project & Service Center. Customer response to our new Des Moines Project & Service Center has been amazing! At the center you can easily collaborate with sales, project management, and operation teams all in one location. You can also take advantage of services including kitting, stage & store, project management and more, closer to the local market.
Contact us today to learn how we can build customized solutions for you to remove friction at every stage of the job, while delivering projects faster, safer, and more profitably.
- Coming soon! Hot off the heels of Des Moines, we’ll be opening a second Project & Service Center, with a strong emphasis on wire and cable services. Stay tuned for more info!
In the Know
- Follow us! Stay up to date on what’s happening. You can find us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.
Market Outlook
The Opportunity Is Bigger Than the Headlines
The construction industry has spent the last 2 years talking about hyperscale data centers — and for good reason. U.S. spending on data center construction has climbed to approximately $50 billion annually, more than 16 times higher than it was just a decade ago. But while these high-profile projects continue to dominate headlines, they represent only part of a much larger opportunity for electrical contractors.
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence and digital technologies is creating a ripple effect across the electrical industry. As demand for computing power grows, manufacturers are expanding production, investing in automation, and modernizing facilities to produce the equipment needed to support this new infrastructure. In fact, private manufacturing construction remains above $215 billion annually, making it one of the largest and most active construction sectors in the country.
Not every contractor will work on a billion-dollar data center, but many will have opportunities to participate in the projects these investments create. Manufacturing expansions, industrial retrofits, electrical service upgrades, automation projects, and power infrastructure improvements are creating work in communities across the country.
The companies that recognize these market shifts early will be better positioned to diversify their customer base, develop new capabilities, and pursue new sources of revenue.
As these markets continue to evolve, we're committed to helping you capitalize on the opportunities they create. Whether you need support identifying products for emerging applications, evaluating solutions, or navigating new technologies, our experienced associates and trusted supplier partners are ready to help.
Contact your local Account Manager for support!
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau, Value of Construction Put in Place Survey (2026); Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRED), U.S. Census Bureau Construction Spending – Manufacturing Construction (updated July 2026).
That Next Project May Already Be Built
When people think about growth opportunities, they often picture new construction. But one of the largest opportunities in today's electrical market is already standing. Across the U.S., there are approximately 5.9 million commercial buildings totaling more than 96 billion square feet, many of which require ongoing modernization to improve reliability, efficiency, safety, and resiliency.
As facilities age and operational demands evolve, building owners are investing in electrical service upgrades, panel replacements, LED lighting retrofits, controls, backup power systems, EV charging infrastructure, power quality improvements, and energy management technologies. Rather than replacing existing facilities, many organizations are extending the life of their buildings through strategic modernization projects that improve performance while preparing for future technologies.
This trend extends beyond the commercial market. The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies projects that homeowner spending on improvements and maintenance will reach approximately $518 billion by the end of 2026, demonstrating a broader shift toward investing in existing properties rather than building new ones.
For electrical contractors, these projects represent consistent opportunities to strengthen customer relationships, generate repeat business, and expand service offerings.
Sources
U.S. Energy Information Administration; Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies
Supplier Showcase
Your relationship with us provides you with more than access to products — it connects you to the partnership we have with our suppliers. And that means you can tap into exclusive supplier resources and manufacturer expertise to help you meet your specific business needs.
Check out this month’s featured suppliers!
3M
Keep medium voltage projects on schedule with a complete solution from 3M. Products are stocked and ready for fulfillment from the Racine and Des Moines distribution centers and are available for purchase through any Crescent location.
Products available include termination, splice, and breakout kits, T-Bodies, and 3M Arc-Flash Tape.
3M also offers complimentary construction service support for medium voltage cable accessories, including application guidance, customized project kits, and on-site training and support.
Acuity Brands
Effortlessly select the right configuration for the most common high bay applications with Beyond LED High Bay by Lithonia Lighting®. Choose from expertly curated, preconfigured trim packages, simplifying the ordering process and saving you time.
Eaton
- Complete Lifecycle Electrical Solutions
Take advantage of the Eaton portfolio of complete lifecycle electrical solutions, to keep your power system safe, reliable, and efficient. Tailored for every stage of a power system’s life cycle, solutions include:
- power system services and automation & controls
- turnkey project delivery and system studies
- power monitoring
- grid and switchgear modernization
- cybersecurity services and safety training
- PowerXL DX1 High-Performance VFD
This next-generation variable frequency drive is designed for demanding industrial applications requiring precise speed and torque control. Combining simplicity, flexibility, efficiency, and security, the DX1 offers advanced capabilities in a user-friendly platform.
Enhanced features include onboard PLC, built-in cybersecurity, advanced touchscreen, and fieldbus communication options.
Leviton
Eliminate the complexity of traditional wireless lighting control systems with GreenConnect™ Wireless Lighting Control. Ideal for retrofit and renovation projects, this scalable system installs fast — without factory commissioning.
- Push-to-Pair technology simplifies set up — no hubs, gateway, apps, or room controllers required
- Add controls without running new wire
- Product family includes wireless switches, dimmers, load controllers, occupancy sensors, companion controls, and controlled receptacles
- Flexible solution for offices, schools, and health, retail, and industrial facilities
Schneider Electric
- Full-Service Partner
Look to Schneider Electric for more than industry-leading products. A full-service partner, Schneider helps you improve reliability, extend equipment life, reduce risk, and optimize operational performance. Schneider offers:- end-to-end services from system design and installation through maintenance and modernization
- EcoCare and digital services for proactive monitoring and predictive maintenance
- training, safety programs, and emergency response services for long-term operational success
- Electric Altivar Drives
Designed for industrial machine applications, the ATV350 is a rugged, variable speed drive for on-machine mounting, supporting motors up to 15 HP. It delivers heavy-duty performance, advanced connectivity, and integrated safety features up to SIL3.
Built for HVAC OEMs, the ATH200 is a compact speed drive that simplifies control panel design while improving efficiency and reliability for outdoor HVAC equipment. Its integrated features help optimize mechanical, electrical, thermal, and automation performance.
nVent HOFFMAN
Take advantage of a free thermal audit from nVent HOFFMAN, to help identify and troubleshoot heat-related risks before they cause equipment failures, downtime, or costly repairs. The audit includes:
- evaluating enclosure cooling performance and operating conditions
- identifying overheating components and potential problem areas
- providing a customized report with recommendations
Price Increases
August 1st
- AMCI
- Broan
- Erico
- L.H. Dottie
- Specified Technologies
August 2nd
- Eaton
- Eaton B-Line
- Eaton Bussmann
- Eaton Crouse-Hinds
- Eaton Power
- Eaton Wiring Device
August 3rd
- Allied Moulded
- Legrand Ortronics
- Legrand Quiktron
- Louisville Ladder
- Signify
August 28th
- Mulberry
Safety Spotlight: Practical Steps for Preventing Falls on the Job
Tripping over a misplaced tool or falling from a ladder could leave you with a life-changing injury. Review these fall prevention tips to help keep you and your team safer from the ground up.
Read More Here
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 this year.
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.
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