Electrical Contractors
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Industry Overview
The electrical contracting industry includes about 70,000 companies with combined annual revenue of $130 billion. Large firms include EMCOR Group, Quanta Services, Integrated Electrical Services, and the electrical divisions of large construction firms. The firm is highly fragmented: most firms have less than $1 million in annual revenue, fewer than 10 employees, and work in a single market.
Competitive Landscape
Most electrical work is driven by new residential and nonresidential construction. Maintenance and repair work (sometimes called "facilities services") is less sensitive to real estate cycles. Larger companies have an advantage in getting contracts because of the increasing complexity of electrical projects and systems, and due to consolidation in the real estate management industry. Building managers typically prefer to deal with contractors who can provide service in multiple markets. Small companies can compete in local markets through service, word-of-mouth referrals, and relationships with general construction contractors. The industry employs roughly 900,000 workers and is labor-intensive.
Products, Operations & Technology
Electrical contracting involves installing and maintaining electrical power systems, conduits, cables, control panels, generators, lighting systems, video and data systems, and low voltage systems (fire alarms). The three major categories of contracting work are new construction (more than 40 percent of business); electrical systems replacement in existing buildings ("retrofitting," 27 percent); and maintenance, repair, and replacement (MRR) work. Electrical contractors often work as subcontractors on large projects.
In addition to estimating costs for contracts, operations involve reviewing engineers' plans and specifications, scheduling crews, managing inventory, and scheduling equipment to ensure that a contract is fulfilled according to schedule.
Electricians must be able to read blueprints to install wiring. Besides common electrical systems, commercial projects often include fiber optic installation. Residential and commercial projects may include solar installations. Other green projects include wind energy, net metering, and cogeneration.
Residential work accounts for 35 percent of the market, commercial projects account for 30 percent, industrial for 15 percent, and institutional for about 10 percent. Other segments include multifamily, utility work, and transportation/lighting.
