• Posted: October 18, 2022
• Brian Swiatek, ComEd, Continental Electric, Dan Allaire, David Witz, Diana Sharpe, Elbert Walters III, Electri International, ev, EV Charging, Gina Dooley, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Jim Buhmann, Josh Bone, Justin Brown, Prefabrication, Rick Jamerson, Skender Construction, The Power of Better, Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood

 

Powering Chicago’s new YouTube series, “The Power of Better”, sheds light on the latest practices and technological advancements used in the electrical industry today.

In the first episode, Executive Director of Powering Chicago, Elbert Walters, III, speaks about two main topics impacting electrical construction in Chicago and Cook County today: prefabrication (prefab) and electrical vehicle (EV) charging station installation.   

The first segment of Episode 1 gives you a look into the world of prefabrication and how Powering Chicago’s electrical contractors are using this pre-construction method to reduce cost and meet project deadlines.

The second segment illustrates the demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Chicago metro region, and how Powering Chicago’s EV Certified experts will ensure your installation is done safely as well as compliant to the Chicago and Cook County Electrical Code and Energy Transformation Code. 

How prefabrication is changing the industry

Walters begins the show by introducing Continental Electrical Construction Company and visits their 40,000 square foot warehouse where prefab continues to change the electrical industry for the better.

David Witz, owner of Continental Electrical Construction Company, has prioritized prefabrication for nearly 20 years, and it’s paid off for his company and the clients they serve.

“I also saw that this was the way of the future and that it was a true, not necessary, innovation in the industry, but it was a change that was coming and something we had to embrace and get started with,” said Witz.

Prefabrication streamlines processes by allowing contractors to properly measure and account for all materials before they arrive at the job site.

This process allows for:

• Increased job speed and accuracy
• Efficient and cost effective installation on the job site
• Minimal garbage removal from the general contractor

Prefabrication manager at Continental Electrical Construction Company, Jim Buhmann, uses computer generated graphics called Building Information Modeling (BIM) to build things exactly to spec.

In the episode you’ll hear from professionals who use prefab and witness the benefits it has for electrical contractors and clients. 

You’ll hear from:

• Brian Swiatek, director of field operations at Continental Electrical Construction Company
• Josh Bone, executive director of Electri International 
• Justin Brown, president/CEO of Skender Construction 

EV Charging Station Installation Continues to Grow

The demand for electric vehicles (EV) is growing, and therefore so are EV charging stations. Certified union electrical contractors across Chicago and Cook Country are working hard to install EV charging stations in homes, businesses, and facilities in order to meet the demand of EV purchases.  

In this first episode we discuss the major infrastructure upgrades needed to ensure that there are enough EV charging stations, and how Powering Chicago is ready to support individuals pondering the move.

For some businesses, the addition of EV charging stations is now a necessity. For example, Dan Allaire, general sales manager at Zeigler Buick GMC of Lincolnwood, recently installed a Level 3 charger to service the new electric Hummers in their inventory.

In the episode you’ll hear from the professionals involved in this upgrade and industry experts, including:

• Rick Jamerson, CEO of Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors Inc. 
• Gina Dooley, project manager at Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors Inc.
• Diana Sharpe, VP Economic Development at Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd)

The first episode is live on Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel! Don’t miss an episode of “The Power of Better,” subscribe to Powering Chicago’s YouTube channel today.