July 2026 | The Power Line

Jump To: Key Updates | In the Know | Market Outlook | Price Increases | Safety Spotlight 

July 14, 2026

Successful projects increasingly depend on partners who can contribute expertise long before materials arrive on the jobsite for installation.  

In today’s world, that means contractors not only create value through labor and products, but through services such as project management, supply chain visibility, and technical support.

Contractors who embrace this model are far more successful than those who don’t.

Crescent is your partner so you can be your customer’s partner. With application engineers and project management experts on staff, we can help you plan and execute any project, from straightforward to complex. Our prefab capabilities save labor, time, and cost. And our distribution centers and local branches ensure you get product when and where you need it.

Sharpen your competitive edge with our portfolio of services. Reach out today!

Key Updates

• New Boise location. On Monday, July 20, our Boise and Meridian facilities will open their doors as one in a brand-new, modern facility at 4911 W. Grand Mogul Dr., Suite 110, Meridian, ID.

• New Nampa location. On Monday, July 27, our Nampa facility will open its doors in a brand-new location at 17100 N. Figjam Ave., Suite 190, Nampa, ID.

• Stronger together! Interstate Electric Supply, Powered by Crescent, will become Crescent Electric Supply Company later this summer. While the change reflects our ongoing commitment to the residential, commercial, industrial, and automation segments of the electrical market, you'll still receive the same dependable service and commitment from the same friends you’ve had for years. 

• Counter days are in full swing! Check out our calendar for details on Branch Events and Counter Days being held across the country.

In the Know

• We can help with drive startups. Our team of application engineers have the technical expertise to help you with drive startups, so they’re hassle-free. Contact us for more info!  

• We’re on social! Stay up to date with all things Crescent by following us on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

Market Outlook

• General Industry

  • Survey data from Electrical Wholesaling’s 2026 Top 100 electrical distributors is highly optimistic about the remainder of 2026 despite the myriad headwinds the industry is facing. Data centers are the top cited opportunity.
  • Information from Associated General Contractors of America’s (AGC) Data DIGest indicates construction starts are stronger than spending data suggests. AGC’s June 1 Data DIGest cites ConstructConnect data showing total construction starts up +11% YTD through April, with nonresidential building starts up +36% YTD. That supports a stronger forward pipeline.
  • The U.S. Census Bureau June 1 Monthly Construction Spending Report shows the broader market is still uneven. Total construction spending through April was only +0.2% YTD versus 2025, while April private nonresidential spending was down slightly month over month.

The takeaway: Opportunities exist in today’s market. However, capitalizing on these opportunities requires working with intention, differentiating yourself, and delivering more than just well-priced products.

• Copper Pricing

At the start of 2026, most analysts expected copper to average between $4.75 and $5.25 per pound. As of June, copper had surged to approximately $6.55 per pound and recently reached an all-time high, exceeding nearly every major forecast published at the beginning of the year.

The following chart shows what was forecasted in January against the June market.

Strong demand from electrification, grid modernization, AI-related infrastructure, and persistent supply constraints continue to support elevated pricing across the electrical industry. Add to that mine disruptions, refining bottlenecks, and ongoing challenges in major producing regions, all of which have limited supply growth.

Work with your Crescent account manager to navigate these trying times and secure the best possible pricing for your projects.

• Residential Opportunities

While new residential construction is clearly under pressure, the repair, remodel, and upgrade market remains healthy and is outperforming new housing. It's not booming to the level it did during the pandemic, but it continues to grow and, importantly for the electrical industry, much of the spending is shifting toward systems replacement and modernization rather than cosmetic projects.

Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, widely considered the industry's gold standard for remodeling forecasts, projects that spending on improvements and maintenance to owner-occupied homes will reach approximately $522-$524 billion during 2026, a record high. Growth is expected to moderate during the year, but spending remains positive and historically strong.

Harvard researchers report that nearly half of homeowner improvement spending is now directed toward safety, functionality, and replacement of major systems and equipment. Older homes require:

• Service upgrades
• Panel replacements
• Rewiring
• Generator installations
• EV charging infrastructure
• Lighting retrofits
• HVAC electrification
• Energy-efficiency improvements

Crescent has a portfolio of industry-leading suppliers paired with local branches and inventory to support your business and capitalize on these opportunities. Reach out to your Crescent sales representative today! 

Price Increases

Safety Spotlight: Preventing Hot Weather Health Issues

Arc-flash rated personal protective equipment is your last line of defense when an arc flash occurs. Get the details on the right protection for a job — so your clothing doesn’t become fuel for flames.  

Read More Here