• Posted: December 23, 2025
• 93 Energy, Ask the Expert, better careers, better communities, better construction, Construction Technology, Crain's Chicago Business, Elbert Walters III, Electrical Contractors Association City of Chicago and Cook County, Eric Payne, Gibson Electric, IBEW Local 134, Matt Kelly, NFPA 70B, Safety

This month’s issue of The Power of Better Newsletter highlights how innovation, education, and partnership continue to shape Chicago’s electrical industry. This issue highlights 93 Energy’s mission-driven approach to clean energy, Powering Chicago’s presence at The Cooperator Chicagoland Expo, and new resources for evaluating and hiring electrical contractors.

93 Energy Builds What’s Next

Led by founder and CEO Eric Payne, 93 Energy is redefining what it means to be a mission-driven solar company. By partnering with IBEW Local 134 and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) of Chicago, the company gained the opportunity to expand rapidly, drawing on quality-trained electricians to meet the rising demand for clean energy projects. This collaboration aligns with Powering Chicago’s mission of delivering better construction, better careers, and better communities.

With continued advancements in solar technology, battery storage, hydrogen, and hybrid off-grid systems, 93 Energy is equipped to take on more complex and large-scale projects than ever before. The company also holds weekly AI-driven work sessions to boost efficiency, strengthen client response times, and improve project research—ensuring every project benefits from innovation at every level.

93 Energy remains deeply committed to investing in local communities, helping schools across the region transition to solar power, and inspiring the next generation of clean energy leaders.

Learn how 93 Energy is driving the future of clean energy through innovation, advanced technology, and expert craftsmanship here. 

Crain’s Chicago Business and Powering Chicago Release NFPA 70B Compliance Guide

In 2023, NFPA 70B transitioned from a recommended practice to a mandatory standard, transforming how facilities manage electrical maintenance and compliance. To help facility leaders prepare, Crain’s Chicago Business and Powering Chicago have released a new white paper breaking down what the updated standard means for your operations.

The guide covers:

• Documentation and training requirements for compliance
• What NFPA 70B requires and why it matters now
• Key components of a compliant Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP)
• Steps to protect your people, property, and productivity

With mandatory standards now in effect, taking a proactive approach is essential. Partnering with Powering Chicago member contractors ensures every project meets today’s rigorous safety and reliability expectations.

Download the full white paper here.

Powering Chicago Showcases Electrical Expertise at the Cooperator Expo Chicagoland

Powering Chicago was a proud sponsor and participant at the 2025 Cooperator Expo Chicagoland. The event brought together board members, building owners, and service providers to explore innovative solutions for operations and maintenance. At the Powering Chicago booth, attendees connected with member contractors and IBEW Local 134 electricians to discuss topics like EV charging, lighting retrofits, energy efficiency, and electrical safety compliance. The Expo offered a great opportunity to highlight how Powering Chicago signatory electrical contractors deliver safe and efficient electrical systems.

Learn more about the Cooperator Expo Chicagoland here.

Fact Sheet Highlight: How to Find the Right Electrical Contractor for Your Project

Choosing the right electrical contractor is essential to ensuring safety, reliability, and long-term performance. Powering Chicago’s new fact sheet outlines the key elements to help make informed decisions for your next project.

Download the full guide here to learn how to identify qualified electrical contractors for your next project.

Chicago’s Data Center Boom and the Workforce Powering Electrical Construction in Cook County

Crain’s Chicago Business recently featured Powering Chicago contractor Gibson Electric in its Ask the Expert series, spotlighting how Chicago’s growing data center market is fueling demand for advanced electrical expertise. In the article, Matthew Kelly, Senior Vice President of Operations at Gibson Electric, explains how Powering Chicago and its partners are supporting this surge with highly trained electricians, cutting-edge technology, and a strong safety culture.

As data centers continue to expand across Cook County, Powering Chicago’s member contractors and IBEW Local 134 electricians are utilizing innovations such as 3D modeling, robotic layout systems, and prefabrication to meet the complex demands of these projects—ensuring that Chicago remains a national leader in digital infrastructure.

Read the full Ask the Expert feature here.

Find an Electrical Contractor For Your Next Project

The success and safety of your next project starts with finding the right team for the job. Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool connects you with licensed,  qualified electrical contractors who meet the highest standards for quality and reliability. Tailor your search by specialty, location, or certification to find the contractor best suited for your project, updating lighting, adding EV charging, or managing a complex facility.

Start your search here.