W/NEW ENERGY, ELECTRICIANS BECOME ENERGY CONTRACTORS

The Coming Renaissance of Electrical Contracting
Houston Neal, February 10, 2010 (Software Advice)

"In the next ten to twenty years, “electrical contractor” will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market.

"We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting…as home owners and corporations adopt alternative methods (e.g. solar, wind, etc) to power buildings. What’s driving this? Federal incentives, lower material costs and savings from reduced energy spending…[T]he American Solar Energy Society projects renewable energy jobs for electricians to grow approximately 900% by 2030, just in the state of Colorado…[E]lectricians will need to “green” their skill-set and re-brand themselves…"

Inspecting the electrical guts of a wind turbine. (click to enlarge)

"…[T]rends driving this change [include]…[1] green construction will skyrocket over the next five years…[and] generate $554 billion dollars in GDP, provide $396 billion in labor earnings and support or create over 7.9 million jobs from 2009 to 2013…This growth comes directly from increased demand for green buildings, which is largely driven by cost savings from reduced property operating expenses, and by new regulations from federal legislation…[2]The growing green construction market will create new demand for electricians…[and] electricians will need to diversify their skill-set…[to work] solar photovoltaic and wind turbine installations…building retrofits, mass transit and light rail projects, “smart” electrical grid transmission systems and more…

"…[W]e expect electricians to…[a] [be doing lighting] system upgrades…[in] 2.2 million commercial buildings in the U.S. that have antiquated lighting systems…[including] all federal buildings…[if it requires] the expertise and skill of electrical contractors…[b] [installing parking] lot electrical outlets…to charge electric vehicles…[c] [A] typical 250-person wind turbine manufacturing company has two electricians as employees…"

click to enlarge

"…[d] Jobs for electricians will also emerge in adjacent industries…[E]lectricians will need to be trained in auto mechanics – or auto mechanics will need to be trained in electrical contracting – in order to meet demand for electric vehicle maintenance…[E]lectric vehicle electricians make an average of $39-$59 thousand a year…[e] Projects applying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) status are growing [rapidly]…[E]lectricians will have an opportunity to win work on these projects…[if they are] versed on credit requirements…[and] a LEED accredited professional (AP)….

"…With so many opportunities on the horizon, contractors need to make sure they’re ready to win jobs…Both the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) offer education programs…[C]ontractors should market and promote their new green credentials…[and have] up-to-date pricing information on materials and labor. Good electrical estimating software will have specific capabilities to estimate solar panel installations and other types of renewable energy jobs…"