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Elliott Electric Founder: Reducing Environmental Impact Drives Electrification

We recently asked Bill Elliott, founder and current chairman of Elliott Electric Supply, some questions about the future of electrification and how electrification is affecting Elliott Electric Supply.

How are you explaining the electrification opportunity to your current co-workers?

Elliott: “We are discussing how the shift from fossil fuels and reducing environmental impact is driving demand for electrification.  Part of this discussion includes the megatrends demand we are seeing from infrastructure spending, grid modernization, data centers, and the push for consumers towards electric vehicles.”

How have you shifted your focus over the past year to match electrification needs?

Elliott: “We are seeing more sales activity and effort focused on customers pursuing alternative energy-related segments and investing in new inventory that supports these types of customers.  Solar, carbon capture, and electric vehicles are some examples, and even seeing more residential customers wanting higher-end solutions to have more insight into their energy consumption and management.”

How are you working differently with partners to meet electrification needs?

Elliott: “We are broadening our inventory with new products and training with current partners.  We are also engaging with new manufacturers offering unique solutions to help our customer base grow our collective business together.”

How would you describe the opportunities electrification will present over the next five years?

Elliott: “The increasing strain on our electrical grid will require large investments to be made to keep up with all of the advancements around energy transition.  As technology improves, the demand will continue to grow for customers that are wanting to better manage their energy costs and lower their impact on the environment.  The demand for data centers and everything around the increase to support artificial intelligence will offer huge opportunities, as well, for the foreseeable future.”

What are the ways you are using electrification for recruiting and retention?

Elliott: “Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability through electrification helps attract candidates who value environmental responsibility.  Also, those that are interested in the electrical field as a career can better relate how demand for our products and services are only expected to increase.”

What do you feel are the key immediate needs to launch electrification in the United States?

Elliott: “Leveraging the free market is likely to drive decarbonization and electrification more efficiently than mandates or penalties.  Encouraging competition and innovation within the private sector should lead to more cost-effective and consumer-friendly solutions.  It will also require smart energy policy decisions that help us forge into this transition with minimal cost impact and the least amount of disruption.”