The Electric Link September 2023

Southwest Industrial Electric at RE+ 2023: Pioneering the Future of Industrial Electric

As the commercial and industrial landscape evolves, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. For businesses like Southwest Industrial Electric, it is not just about keeping pace—it's about leading. This year, we proudly represented our expertise and innovation at RE+ 2023 held in the illustrious Venetian Hotel & Sands Expo in Las Vegas. But why is RE+ 2023 such an unmissable event? And how do these shows shape the future of our industry?

The Significance of RE+ 2023

RE+ 2023 isn't just another convention—it's the nexus of the renewable energy sector, a gathering of global industry leaders, enthusiasts, and forward-thinkers. This event serves as the meeting point for the latest technologies, pioneering solutions, and groundbreaking strategies that push the boundaries of what's possible in our field.

As C&I electrical contractors, attending this event has offered an unparalleled opportunity to see the future of the industry unfold, from next-gen energy storage solutions, and electric vehicle chargers to revolutionary automation techniques. For companies in the commercial and industrial electrical contracting sphere, this expo is more than just a chance to show off—it's a space to learn, adapt, and prepare for the future. This year Southwest approached the conference with the intent to showcase all of our Electric Vehicle and Battery energy storage system installation projects and capabilities. We not only were able to speak with hundreds of potential prospects and future partners but also had opportunities to showcase our industry knowledge when tapped on for an interview with Alan Ross of APC Media.

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At Southwest Industrial Electric, we believe that our participation in events such as RE+ 2023 is a testament to our commitment to excellence. By immersing ourselves in such prestigious events, we ensure that we are always at the forefront of technological advancements and industry trends. We're not just watching the future of industrial electrics unfold; we're actively participating in its creation.

To all our clients, partners, and peers—we thank you for your continuous support and trust. Here's to pioneering a brighter, more efficient, and sustainable future together. Looking ahead, we are excited about the upcoming months and the opportunities they bring. We have several noteworthy projects in the pipeline, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for growth. As always, we remain committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring that our clients' electrical needs are met with precision and efficiency.

Why Companies Attend

• Networking: Events like RE+ 2023 allow industry leaders like Southwest Industrial Electric to collaborate, forging partnerships and alliances that drive mutual growth.
• Showcasing Expertise: A platform where top-tier companies can demonstrate their capabilities, recent projects, and innovative solutions to a broad and relevant audience.
• Learning Opportunities: With seminars, panel discussions, and presentations, these expos are a goldmine of information, offering insights into upcoming trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Staying Competitive: In an ever-evolving sector, being visible at such premier events ensures that we stay relevant and continue to be a preferred choice for clients.

The Pros of Attending Trade Shows

• Direct Feedback: Engaging with peers and potential clients gives instant feedback on products, services, and market needs.
• Brand Visibility: In an age where brand recognition plays a significant role in business success, trade shows offer a platform to solidify our brand's presence.
• Spotting Trends: Before trends become mainstream, they're often discussed or showcased at events like RE+. Being present means staying ahead.
• Skill Enhancement: The chance to attend workshops and discussions means our team returns not just with leads, but also with enhanced skills and knowledge.

This Date in Electrical History

September 1882: Kickstarting the Electric Revolution

Welcome to "This Date in Electrical History," a new monthly column highlighting significant milestones in the world of electricity. In this edition, we travel back to September 4, 1882, to witness an electrifying event that would forever change the course of electrical power transmission.

On this date, September 4, 1882, Thomas Edison illuminated a slice of New York City, marking a pivotal step into the era of electrical innovation.

While the concept of electric arc lighting had been around since the early 1800s, its high maintenance and intense luminosity restricted its use to outdoor spaces or expansive interiors. Throughout the 19th century, visionaries toyed with the idea of indoor-friendly electric lighting.

Edison’s Spark of Genius

Although he wasn't the lone explorer of this domain, Edison's journey into incandescent electric lighting began around 1878. By the following year, he had crafted the first viable incandescent bulb. Yet, Edison's vision transcended a single invention. He envisioned an integrated system encompassing generation, transmission, and consumption of electric power. Among his creations were the parallel circuit, consistent voltage generators, junction boxes, underground conduits, and several other foundational components of our modern electric infrastructure.

The Pearl Street Initiative

From the outset, Edison aspired to establish an extensive centralized system in the heart of NYC. This dream materialized as the Pearl Street station, pioneering the concept of a centralized power station catering to incandescent lighting. Edison strategically selected its site to encompass a bustling mix of commerce, residences, and influential media houses in what was termed the 'First District'.

To power the Pearl Street locale, Edison engineered six massive dynamos, each capable of lighting around 1,200 bulbs. Additionally, the project demanded the installation of 80,000 feet of underground wiring. The pivotal moment arrived on September 4, 1882, when Edison, from J. Pierpont Morgan's office, signaled for the switch to be closed. Almost instantaneously, the First District was illuminated by approximately 400 bulbs.

While today we recognize this as a landmark achievement, it garnered minimal fanfare back then, with just a brief nod in the New York Times. Financial returns weren’t immediate, but the venture validated Edison’s vision. Within a year, the station powered 10,000 lamps and catered to over 500 clients. Building on this momentum, Edison erected more stations across New York and promoted his system internationally, from the streets of Europe to the islands of Japan.

Plug into the past and join us next month for another captivating story from electrical history.

Electrifying the Future: EV Charging Rises in the Southwest and Beyond

As the shift toward green energy accelerates, Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations are becoming the cornerstone of this eco-friendly movement. For businesses looking to capitalize on the trend, EV charging presents a plethora of benefits tailored to the specific needs of commercial and industrial clients.

Key Considerations for Commercial and Industrial Sector:

• Cost Savings: With increasing EV adoption, businesses can leverage tax credits, rebates, and incentives to offset installation costs. Over time, these charging stations can become revenue-generating assets, especially if paired with solar or wind energy installations.
• Enhanced Brand Image: Showcasing a commitment to sustainability can boost a company’s reputation, attracting both eco-conscious customers and potential green investors.
• Infrastructure Needs: Depending on the scale, businesses can opt for Level 2 chargers (for shorter duration visits) or fast DC chargers (ideal for commercial establishments where visitors tend to stay longer, like hotels or entertainment centers).
• Future-Proofing: With states increasingly announcing deadlines for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles, the transition to electric is inevitable. Early adoption ensures businesses are ahead of the curve.
• Collaborations: Partnership opportunities with EV manufacturers can be mutually beneficial. Businesses can get subsidized or discounted charging equipment, while EV makers can increase their brand's visibility.

As our states drive toward a greener future, EV charging isn't just a trend; it's the future. Commercial and industrial sectors have a golden opportunity to be frontrunners in this transformation. By integrating EV charging today, businesses are not only contributing to a cleaner environment but also investing in a sustainable and lucrative future.

Meet The Team: Melinda Ruiz

Meet a member of our electrical team, Melinda Ruiz. Melinda is a foreman here at Southwest, she manages a team and runs various types of jobs, performing installs of various electrical components and more! What interested Melinda in doing electrical work was how constantly the world of electrical changes. She enjoys the fact that each day brings new and exciting challenges and that there’s so many aspects to the trade that she is constantly learning new things.

What Melinda enjoys most about working as an electrician is being a part of projects that start from nothing and being able to see the work through until the end. One of her favorite feelings is to have someone reach out and mention how happy they are with the work or to thank her for installing something that really benefited them.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“I have loved every bit of working with Southwest Industrial Electric. Everyone here makes sure they are available to help, if someone ever needs anything, there is always a member of the team ready to assist. It’s feels like much more than an Electrical company and I’m very happy to be a part of their journey.”

Testimonials From Our Recent Work

Your tech Carlos was outstanding, to that point, your whole team is great, we love working with you. Scheduling always get back to me - Nelson

We are Full Service Industrial and Commercial Electrical Contractors. We can help with any electrical needs including Machine Service & Repair, Control Systems, Industrial Automation, Power Distribution, PV, EVC and BESS installation. We have managed thousands of projects for over 40 years, earning the trust of our clients and community through excellent execution and results.

Southwest Industrial Electric End of Summer Kickball Match

With the summer season on its way out, marking the end of a memorable season, our company celebrated with an End-of-Summer Kickball Match. Employees from various departments teamed up to showcase their athleticism and team spirit. We had lots of laughs, cheers, and even had some colleagues who didn't play show up and cheer everyone on. The event not only marked the close of summer but also strengthened the bonds amongst our team.