September 2026 | The Power Line

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

September 8, 2026

September always feels like a reset. Relaxed summer days give way to routines, calendars fill up, and attention turns toward everything we still want to accomplish before the year is over. In business, that can mean projects to finish, opportunities to pursue, and goals that need a final push.

Most of us would welcome more time, more people, and more resources to get it all done. The reality is we have to make the most of what we have.

That's where good partnerships come in. Whether it's helping you find a better solution, saving your team time, reducing work on the jobsite, or simply being there when you need an answer, our goal is to help you make the most of your resources and the opportunities ahead.

We hope you had a great summer. Let's finish the year strong together!

Key Updates

• NECA 2026! Join us at the NECA Convention & Trade Show in Las Vegas, October 5 – 7. We’ll be at booth #5037, near the NECA Casino Zone. We look forward to seeing you!

Market Outlook

• Look Beyond the Headlines

Data centers continue to dominate construction headlines, but they aren't the only place electrical contractors should be looking for opportunity.

Recent data shows a market that is becoming increasingly selective. While overall nonresidential construction spending is expected to remain relatively flat this year, projects continue to move forward and the pipeline is showing encouraging signs in several markets.

The Dodge Momentum Index, which tracks nonresidential projects entering the planning stage, increased 6.9% in July and is now 11.7% higher than a year ago. Institutional planning was particularly strong, increasing 13.1% for the month, with growth across education, healthcare, recreational, and public projects.

Looking ahead, the American Institute of Architects' latest consensus forecast projects 2026 growth of 7.1% in amusement and recreation construction, 4.6% in hotels, 2.6% in healthcare, and 1.2% in education. Several of these markets are expected to strengthen further in 2027.

For electrical contractors, the message is simple. Opportunity is out there, but it may require looking beyond the projects receiving the most attention. Healthcare facilities, schools, hotels, recreational facilities, and other institutional projects can provide opportunities for contractors of many different sizes and specialties.

Knowing where the market is moving can help you decide where to focus your time and resources. Once you find the opportunity, we're here to help you pursue it.

Talk with your local Account Manager about the markets you're targeting and how our products, solutions, and experienced associates can help you compete for your next project!

Sources
Dodge Construction Network, August 6, 2026; American Institute of Architects, July 2026 Consensus Construction Forecast; U.S. Census Bureau, June 2026 Construction Spending

• A Changing Market. Strong Demand. The Value of a Good Partner.

Change continues across the electrical industry. In early August, Prysmian announced an agreement to acquire Atkore in a transaction valued at approximately $3.8 billion. The combination brings together one of the world's largest wire and cable manufacturers with a major supplier of conduit, fittings, cable management, and electrical infrastructure products.

At the same time, demand across the electrical market remains strong. Eaton recently reported record sales in its Electrical Americas business, with first-quarter sales increasing 20% year over year. Even more telling, its rolling 12-month orders increased 42%, while backlog finished the quarter 44% higher than a year ago.

What does that mean for your business?

Strong demand creates opportunity, but a changing manufacturer landscape can also create complexity. Acquisitions, product changes, evolving specifications, capacity constraints and new technologies can all affect the products and solutions you rely on.

You don’t have to navigate those changes alone.

Our job is to stay close to the market, our suppliers, and most importantly, you. Whether that means finding the right product, identifying an alternative, helping solve an application challenge or getting material where you need it, we're here to help you keep moving forward.

Markets change. Manufacturers change. Products change. Our commitment to helping you succeed does not.

Sources
The Wall Street Journal, August 3, 2006; Eaton Quarterly Report News Release

Price Increases

• September 1st
  • BRK
  • Electri-Flex
  • Ipex
  • Kidde

• September 7th
  • National Specialty Lighting

• September 9th
  • Phoenix Contact

• September 14th
  • Austin Electrical Enclosures
  • Flir
  • Rittal

• September 27th
  • Square D

Safety Spotlight: Preventing Dropped-Object Hazards

Unsecured wrenches, pliers, tape measures, and other tools that fall from height can cause a serious injury if they hit someone. Help improve safety on the job with these tips to stop the drop before it happens.

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.

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