In today’s ever-shifting economic landscape, uncertainty has once again become a dominant theme for electrical contractors across the country. The recent implementation and retraction of numerous tariffs on imported goods and materials is reverberating across our industry, causing concern over possible cost increases, extended project timelines and disrupted supply chains. 

Contractors are feeling the impact where it matters most: in bidding, procurement and execution. With material prices fluctuating and lead times lengthening, planning and budgeting have become significantly more complex. The long-term implications could range from delayed infrastructure projects to squeezed margins that threaten business viability. 

At NECA, we recognize these challenges and remain steadfast in our mission to support our members with clarity, advocacy and actionable resources. In times like these, knowledge is power, and we are committed to keeping our contractors informed through timely legislative and regulatory updates. Our government affairs team is working on the front lines, advocating for fair and sustainable trade policies while providing members with the intelligence they need to make informed business decisions. 

Beyond policy updates, we are empowering contractors through labor relations and legal support to manage workforce stability during times of cost uncertainty. Our education team is focused on offering opportunities to learn more about contract terms and conditions to help contractors protect themselves against price volatility and supply delays. These educational offerings are crucial to managing risk in an unpredictable marketplace. 

NECA also continues to bring our contractors innovative tools and strategic partnerships, such as our Premier Partner Program (thanked this month on page 13) and industry associations, including NEMA, NAED and NEMRA. Through resources like Document Crunch and ConsensusDocs, our members can streamline contract reviews, better understand legal language and craft agreements that safeguard their interests—especially in this uncertain climate. 

The challenges we face today are not insurmountable. But they do require unity, knowledge and proactive planning. NECA is here to ensure our contractors do not face this volatility alone. We are leaning into our role as your advocate, educator and resource hub so you can continue delivering excellence in electrical construction—no matter what the market brings. 

As always, we encourage you to stay connected, leverage NECA’s tools and reach out to our team. We’re navigating this storm together, and together, we’ll emerge even stronger. 

David Long
NECA CEO