• Posted: January 19, 2026
• better careers, better communities, better construction, Electrical construction in Chicago, electrical construction safety, electrical construction technology, Electrical industry in Chicago, Electrical industry technology, IBEW Local 134, powering chicago

Chicago’s economy depends on reliable power to support critical operations throughout the region.

Uninterrupted electrical systems enable hospitals to deliver critical care, financial institutions to process millions of transactions, and data centers to maintain global networks online, forming the backbone of the region’s economic activity. When power systems fail, operations stall, risk increases, and growth slows.

That reality is at the center of a recent Crain’s Quick Take featuring Brian Karlow, president of Gurtz Electric Company, and produced in partnership with Powering Chicago.

Reliable Power Is Economic Infrastructure

“Chicago’s economy runs on power that cannot fail,” said Karlow. Electrical reliability serves as essential infrastructure supporting critical systems across the region, including:

• Healthcare facilities that require continuous power for life-saving equipment
  
• Financial services that depend on constant uptime and secure operations
  
• Data centers and advanced manufacturing, where even brief interruptions can result in significant losses
  

As Chicago continues to grow and modernize, demand for resilient, well-designed electrical systems is increasing.

“Our work creates a stable foundation for economic development and the overall well-being of the community,” said Karlow, highlighting how proactive electrical planning and maintenance support long-term progress.

Resilience Matters More Than Ever

Modern cities face increasing pressure on their power systems as infrastructure ages, energy demand rises, and new technologies are introduced.

In response, electrical contractors are designing systems that prioritize redundancy, safety, and long-term reliability. This focus on resilience helps businesses remain operational, protects public safety, and gives investors confidence that Chicago can support complex, high-demand projects without interruption.

Powering the Future Workforce

Beyond infrastructure, Karlow also points to the electrical field as a driver of opportunity.

He describes the industry as offering tremendous potential for growth and impact, especially for young people considering career paths that combine technical expertise, long-term stability, and meaningful work. As demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, the electrical industry in Chicago plays an important role in preparing the next generation of its workforce.

Keeping Chicago Moving Forward

Reliable power often operates behind the scenes, yet it remains essential to Chicago’s economic stability, public health, and innovation capacity.

The Crain’s Quick Take reinforces that electrical systems designed, installed, and maintained by experienced professionals support reliability today while positioning cities for sustained progress.

Watch the full Crain’s Quick Take produced in partnership with Crain’s Chicago Business to hear more from Brian Karlow on what it takes to keep Chicago powered and prepared for what’s next.