Electical Contractor

Measuring energy usage in real-time by remote metering is becoming increasingly viable, but in order to be economical, its cost must be offset with new power quality and energy management services.

A large part of the nation has been spooked recently by regional energy crises. If necessity is the mother of invention, then perhaps recent price spikes, power outages and fears of terrorism are causing some people to assume more responsibility for their energy needs.

When Ernie Audet Jr. wants a new piece of equipment quickly, he rents. Audet wastes time and money when he lacks equipment needed for a job. Rental equipment is a $25 billion industry and almost all contractors—large and small—depend on it. Audet’s firm, E. W.

I read an article in the Birmingham Business Journal recently where the control of company inventory was compared to Goldilocks’ evaluation of the three bears’ porridge. If you have too little, your customers will disappear. If you have too much, your profits will vanish.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of Orlando, Fla.-based Hughes Supply, and Hughes is showing appreciation for its customers by partying at a series of celebrations across the country.

A little innovation goes a long way More than 25 years ago, Rexel’s Upper Marlboro (Md.) Regional Distribution Center came up with a value-add to improve service to contractor customers. Among the first to take advantage of Rexel’s wire cutting and paralleling service was Dynalectric Co.

Experiences in California and Texas notwithstanding, some members of the energy community are holding fast to their belief in a competitive, deregulated energy market. The Energy Advisory Board (EAB), appointed last year by U.S.

The government’s deregulation of five major industries—airlines, telecommunications, cable television, banking and electricity—has harmed customers far more than helped them, according to a study released by Consumers Union.