• Posted: April 9, 2026
• better construction, Chicago Electrical Contractors, Electrical Construction Chicago, Electrical infrastructure, Electrical Projects, skilled workforce

This edition of The Power of Better LinkedIn newsletter reflects on the projects, people, and partnerships that defined electrical construction across Chicago and Cook County this past year. The stories featured here represent the best of what Powering Chicago members delivered in 2025 and the strong foundation they are building for the year ahead. Together, these efforts highlight a continued commitment to reliable project delivery, safety, quality, and the skilled workforce needed to support increasingly complex electrical work across the region.

The Power of Better Episode 19: Building Better Outcomes Across Chicago and Cook County

Episode 19 of The Power of Better is now live, bringing viewers behind the scenes of Episodes 14, 16, 17, and 18. This episode highlights a range of electrical projects across Chicago and Cook County, including:

• Delivering Complex Infrastructure in High-Visibility Environments: The Navy Pier Marina project, completed by M.J. Electric, featured prefabrication, underwater cabling, and advanced ground-fault protection while maintaining full public access at one of Chicago’s busiest waterfront destinations.
• Aligning Facility Investments With Sustainability Goals: A rooftop solar installation by Hardt Electric at the American College of Chest Physicians headquarters in Glenview supports long-term facility performance and delivers measurable energy savings through durable system design.
• Showcasing Electrical Excellence on a National Stage: Electrical infrastructure for the NECA Convention at McCormick Place West was installed by more than 100 electricians from IBEW Local 134, powering 100,000 square feet of exhibit space under a compressed schedule.
• Strengthening the Industry Through Mentorship: Electrical upgrades and lighting retrofits at the nearly 100-year-old Goodman Theatre, along with new construction support for the Sankofa Wellness Center in Garfield Park, demonstrate the impact of the Electrical Contractors Association’s Small Business Mentor-Protégé Program in expanding opportunities for minority-owned firms.

Watch Episode 19 now, and subscribe to the Powering Chicago YouTube channel to stay up to date on future episodes of The Power of Better.

The Powering Chicago Difference: Gurtz Electric Company

For more than four generations, Gurtz Electric Company has helped shape Chicago and Cook County through complex electrical construction. Serving healthcare facilities, high-rises, aviation, data centers, and large-scale commercial developments, Gurtz combines deep industry experience with advanced technology, strong safety culture, and a highly trained workforce. Their leadership reflects the Powering Chicago difference, delivering projects built for long-term performance.

Learn more about Gurtz Electric Company here.

Find a Contractor Fact Sheet: How to Measure Quality and Value

The electrical contractor you choose has a direct impact on safety, timelines, and overall project success. Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Fact Sheet outlines practical steps for evaluating quality and value, including reviewing labor hour estimates, comparing bids, and understanding how training and workforce depth reduce oversight and risk. It’s a useful resource for owners and managers planning upcoming electrical work.

Download the “How to Measure Quality and Value in an Electrical Contractor” fact sheet today.

Crain’s Chicago Business Quick Take Explores How Power Reliability Drives Chicago’s Economy

Reliable power is essential to keeping Chicago’s economy moving. A recent Quick Take from Crain’s Chicago Business explores how uninterrupted electrical systems support the region’s most critical operations, including healthcare, finance, data centers, and advanced manufacturing.

In the feature, Brian Karlow, President of Gurtz Electric Company, explains why electrical reliability functions as core economic infrastructure. Hospitals rely on continuous power to deliver critical care, financial institutions depend on constant uptime, and data centers require resilient systems to maintain global connectivity. Even brief interruptions can increase risk and slow growth.

Produced in partnership with Powering Chicago, the Quick Take also highlights how experienced electrical contractors are designing systems that prioritize redundancy, safety, and long-term resilience as Chicago modernizes. Beyond infrastructure, Karlow points to the electrical industry as a source of stable, high-skill career opportunities, helping prepare the next generation of workers to meet rising demand.

Watch the full Crain’s Quick Take to learn why power reliability remains fundamental to Chicago’s economic strength and future growth.

Project Spotlight: Advancing EV Infrastructure with Meade Electric Company

As EV adoption continues, electrical construction projects are becoming more complex and power-intensive. The BP Pulse EV Charging Station near O’Hare Airport showcases how modern electrical construction in Chicago is evolving to meet higher power demands, tighter site constraints, and advanced coordination requirements. Meade Electric Company delivered the electrical distribution, fast-charging systems, and supporting infrastructure needed for a high-capacity, high-traffic EV site.

Learn more about the BP Pulse EV Charging Station project here.

Find a Contractor Tool

Looking to work with electrical contractors who invest in mentorship, apprenticeship, and workforce development? Powering Chicago’s Find a Contractor Tool helps you connect with signatory contractors serving Chicago and Cook County who meet established standards for safety, quality, and performance.

Use the Find a Contractor Tool for your next project.