As we turn the page to a new year, I am struck by the pace of change in our industry and by the extraordinary momentum driving the electrical construction community forward. There has never been a more exciting, more consequential time to be an electrical contractor. The year ahead promises both tremendous opportunity and unparalleled responsibility—responsibility to lead, to innovate and to deliver the power, technology and infrastructure that will define the next century of American progress.

This January marks the beginning of an especially meaningful year for all of us: NECA’s 125th anniversary. Since our founding in 1901, NECA has stood as the voice, the advocate and the champion of signatory electrical contractors across the nation. For generations, this association has helped shape the evolution of our trade—from the first widespread electrification of American cities to today’s rapidly changing landscape defined by renewable energy, data centers, electrified transportation, microgrids and advanced building systems.

That legacy is more than a milestone. It is a reminder that NECA’s members have always risen to meet the challenges of their era. And in 2026, we will do the same.

An industry growing faster than ever

Every indicator points in the same direction: our industry is not simply expanding—it is accelerating. Contractors across the country are seeing demand surge in nearly every market segment. The combined effects of federal investments, private-sector expansion and the national transition toward electrification is unprecedented in scope. We are witnessing a transformation in how America uses energy, how it moves goods and people, how it builds, and how it secures its digital future.

Among the fastest-growing areas of opportunity:

• Data centers and high-performance computing facilities, fueled by artificial intelligence, cloud demand and digital commerce
• Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing, driven by reshoring initiatives and historic federal investments
• Utility-scale and distributed renewable energy, from solar and wind farms to battery storage and grid modernization
• EV charging infrastructure, which continues to expand nationwide as consumers, fleets and municipalities electrify
• Electrical and mechanical systems, integrating for energy savings to predicted maintenance

Each of these segments presents extraordinary opportunity, but they also bring complexity—technical, logistical, regulatory and workforce development. NECA’s job is to help our contractors navigate this environment with clarity, confidence and a competitive edge. In 2026, we will continue strengthening our work in labor relations, business development, education and training, codes and standards, safety, workforce development, emerging technologies, and developing strategies around acquisitions and mergers in the construction industry to ensure our members are positioned to lead.

A new year, a new era of leadership

This year also marks an important transition for NECA’s national leadership. Mark Walter assumes the role of NECA president, bringing with him decades of experience, deep knowledge of the industry and a commitment to carrying NECA’s mission into its next chapter. His leadership will help guide the association through a period of historic growth and transformation, and I am excited to work alongside him as we unlock the full potential of the years ahead.

We also welcome several new members of the NECA National Executive Committee: Chris Foster, Mike McDonald, Mitch Murphy, Fred Neubauer, Greg Padalecki, Dan Smith and Steve Stone. Each of them will bring fresh perspectives, regional insights and a shared dedication to strengthening the value of membership. Their voices will play an essential role as NECA expands programs, modernizes services and continues building the strategic infrastructure our industry needs for the future.

Leadership transitions are natural moments for reflection—but more importantly, they are opportunities for renewal. With new leaders, new ideas and new energy, NECA enters 2026 stronger than ever.

Meeting challenges with seriousness and optimism

For all the opportunities ahead, we cannot ignore the seriousness of the challenges before us. Growing our workforce, managing supply chains, fluctuating commodity prices, evolving labor needs, expanded regulatory pressures and emerging cybersecurity risks continue to shape the environment in which our contractors operate. The speed of technological advancement alone is enough to make any business leader rethink how they plan, train and invest.

But challenge has always been the proving ground of this industry.

Electrical contractors are problem-solvers. Our workforce is adaptable, highly trained and among the most capable anywhere in the construction sector. NECA is committed to ensuring our members have the resources, insight and support to navigate each challenge—not just to survive them but to turn them into opportunities for growth.

That is why our work in Washington, D.C.; our partnerships with manufacturers, distributors and technology firms; and our collaboration with the IBEW remain mission-critical. As the scope and scale of electrical work continues to grow, NECA’s advocacy, training and leadership will continue growing alongside it.

A focus on economic outlook

It is fitting that this issue of ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR focuses on the economic outlook. Understanding the trends shaping our markets—construction spending, inflation, interest rates, demographic shifts, global competitiveness and the future of energy—is essential for contractors preparing to make informed decisions in 2026 and beyond. Macroeconomic conditions influence everything from bidding to workforce planning to capital investment, and this edition provides invaluable insights into the road ahead.

But while economists will offer models and forecasts, NECA contractors shape the realities on the ground. You build the systems that power America. You keep businesses running, communities connected and infrastructure resilient. You are the backbone of the most dynamic segment of the construction industry, and the work you do helps define the trajectory of the U.S. economy itself.

Looking ahead to a historic year

As we begin NECA’s 125th anniversary year, I ask every contractor, chapter and partner to join us in reflecting on how far we have come—and in embracing the extraordinary potential ahead. This is our moment to lead. To innovate. To expand. To build the workforce of tomorrow. To strengthen our partnerships. To elevate our industry. And to honor the legacy of the generations who built NECA into what it is today.

The next year will not be without challenges. But I have never been more confident in our industry’s ability to rise to meet them. Our future is not only bright—it is electric.

Let’s make 2026 a year worthy of NECA’s 125-year legacy.

David Long
NECA CEO