For the first time in history, commercial consumption has surpassed the residential sector. According to the Short-Term Energy Outlook, published in May 2026 by the U.S. Energy Information Agency, U.S. electricity consumption is projected to reach almost 4,250 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in 2026. That would be a 1.3% increase from 2025. ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine
Leaders of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week released a roughly $580-billion proposal outlining how congressional leaders plan to structure federal investment after the sunset of the expansive 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Construction Dive
NECA NEWS
NECA x MATES: Everyone Comes Home
NECA is carrying out a 2026 fundraising campaign in support of MATES North America, a comprehensive suicide prevention program built by and for the construction industry. MATES works to save lives through peer support and early intervention, shifting jobsite culture to open up mental health conversations and create a unified industry response to suicide. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to come home safe. This evidence-based program from Australia and New Zealand is now being pilot-tested in North America, and all funds raised through NECA's campaign go directly to program delivery on the ground.
NECA 726 is the industry's first installation and workmanship standard for Class 4 Fault-Managed Power (FMP) systems, providing contractors with clear guidance for installation, startup, commissioning, and maintenance of this emerging technology. The standard covers transmitters, receivers, Class 4 cabling, labeling, system programming, electrical safety, documentation, and long-term maintenance. By defining consistent installation practices, NECA 726 helps contractors deliver safe, high-quality Class 4 systems in line with the broader NEIS series. Available in hardcopy or as a digital version.
Got a standout project from 2025? Submit your application for the NECA Project Excellence Awards and get the recognition your team deserves.Contractors of all sizes have won! If your team is proud of the work, it's worth submitting. There are 13 different categories including healthcare, design build, transportation, low voltage and more. The deadline is July 13, 2026.
Upcoming Webinar: Cable Cleats for Short-Circuit Protection
With every project under pressure to move faster and cost less, it’s tempting to simplify wherever possible but when it comes to short-circuit protection, it can expose asset owners to serious and often overlooked risk. This ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine webinar, taking place on June 17 at 1 p.m. ET will address why cable cleats should be used, the different types available, how to choose the right cleat to meet code, and how to minimize labor and material costs. You will leave with the knowledge to optimize short circuit protection in your next project and confidently meet code.
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