Articles from Electrical Business

In April 2025, Canada's total investment in building construction dropped by $741.9 million to $22.3 billion, with significant declines in both the residential and non-residential sectors. The residential sector experienced a 4.5% decrease, notably in the multi-unit and single-family components. Ontario and Alberta led the national downturn in single-family home construction. The non-residential sector saw a slight decline, despite an increase in institutional investments, led by Alberta.

The Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO) recognized top member companies with the R. Hugh Carroll Award for exemplary safety commitment in 2025. Multiple firms, including Rogol Electric and Symtech Innovations, were honored for their outstanding safety achievements. Additionally, certain members were given the new Recognition of Safety Achievement award for maintaining injury statistics below the industry average. Larry J. MacDonald of Black & McDonald Ltd. received the D.J.B. Wright Award for his leadership contributions to Ontario's electrical contracting industry.

The Anuriqjuak Nukkiksautiit Project in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, is set to reduce the community's diesel dependency by up to 70% with the help of a 1-MW wind turbine and a 1-MWh energy storage system, backed by a $6.7-million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The project aims to increase energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating renewable energy into the local grid. It also anticipates creating approximately 20 jobs during construction. The initiative is supported by Natural Resources Canada and will contribute to a more sustainable energy future for remote and Indigenous communities.

Elemental Energy has secured a $97 million loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for the Wedgeport Wind project in Nova Scotia. This project involves constructing 12 Nordex 7-MW turbines and a 138-kV transmission line to generate 84 MW of power, providing clean energy to over 30,000 homes and creating up to 85 construction jobs. The project, a collaboration with Stevens Wind and Sipekne’katik First Nation, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local economic development through Mi'kmaq community involvement. Operations are expected to begin in late 2026.

Siemens Energy and Eaton have formed a partnership to enhance the construction and deployment of data centers by providing grid-independent energy supplies and modular systems. Their collaboration involves developing scalable solutions to supply electricity to data centers, even in areas lacking grid infrastructure. Siemens Energy will offer a modular power plant featuring gas turbines and battery storage, while Eaton will supply electrical equipment. This partnership aims to reduce time-to-market and decrease CO2 emissions associated with backup generators.

Generac has teamed up with Ecobee to launch a smart thermostat that integrates with Generac's home standby generators and PWRcell 2 solar battery storage, aiming to enhance home energy management. This collaboration is designed to reduce energy costs, increase efficiency, and provide improved control for homeowners by optimizing HVAC systems and coordinating electrical loads during outages. The smart thermostat is set to offer up to 26% savings on annual heating and cooling bills by adapting to homeowners' habits. The product will be available through Generac’s dealer network, with the PWRcell 2 shipping soon.

ABB Electrification Canada Inc. has acquired Bel Products Inc., a Canadian manufacturer known for custom-built enclosures, enhancing its capabilities in the commercial, industrial, data center, and utility sectors. This acquisition, which sees Bel remain operational in Quebec, leverages both companies' strengths to expand ABB's market presence in Canada and the U.S. Bel Products President Réal Bélanger highlighted the growth opportunities offered through ABB’s global reach. The move aims to enhance ABB’s manufacturing and supply chain capabilities to better meet customer demand.

DeWalt has renewed its sponsorship of the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) until 2027, remaining the exclusive tool provider for the event. The SCNC is a multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices across Canada, promoting skilled trades and technology careers. DeWalt supports the event through various contributions, including sponsorship of the Welcome Reception and providing tools for multiple skill areas.

The Ontario government will enhance workplace safety for construction workers by mandating automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) at construction sites expected to last three or more months with at least 20 workers. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is considering financial assistance for small businesses to acquire AEDs. The WSIB is proposing a program to reimburse the cost of AEDs, which can range from $1,800 to $3,700. This measure responds to data indicating that over 15% of cardiac-related workplace incidents occur in the construction sector.

In March 2025, investment in building construction in Canada decreased by 0.9% to $22.2 billion, primarily due to a 1.8% decline in the residential sector, despite a 1.3% increase in the non-residential sector. The residential decline was driven by a significant drop in multi-unit construction, while single-family home investments saw a minor increase. Non-residential investment grew in all subsectors, with notable gains in institutional, commercial, and industrial projects. Throughout the first quarter of 2025, overall construction investment rose by 3.3%, with the residential sector leading this growth, especially in multi-unit constructions.

ChargePoint and Eaton have partnered to simplify and expedite the rollout of electric vehicle supply equipment in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. They aim to create a one-stop shop for EV charging solutions, combining chargers, electrical infrastructure, and engineering services. This collaboration intends to streamline processes for purchasing, designing, and deploying EV equipment, addressing barriers to electrified transportation.

Manitoba Hydro and the Manitoba Home Builders' Association are collaborating to accelerate the energization of new homes within five days of passing final inspections, thereby reducing construction delays. They are also implementing early installation of electric and gas infrastructures in new home sites in Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Steinbach. A new online portal for scheduling service installations and checking service status is being established to improve communication and efficiency. This initiative stems from ongoing efforts to improve service delivery for home builders and their clients.