May 2026 | The Power Line

Shortcuts: Key Updates | Market Outlook | New Products | Price Increases | Resources & Tools | Safety Spotlight

The real power behind every community?
The contractors, crews, and teams keeping every project on course. We’re proud to support the people powering projects across every galaxy, jobsite, and neighborhood.

Time equals money. And while efficiency has always been key to profitability in the electrical industry, today’s high fuel costs, labor shortages, and tight schedules make efficiency more imperative than ever.

We want to help you make the most of the hours in your days. As a one-stop shop, we provide the services and solutions you need, so you can spend less time tracking down materials and more time where it’s most cost-effective: on the job site.

We offer:

• Convenient ordering online, over the phone, or at the branch
• Inventory when and where you need it
• Pre-fab services, for faster, smoother projects

Reach out to your local Crescent team today to learn more about how we can support you!

Key Updates

• We’ve moved! Our Phoenix, Arizona business is now located at 3050 S. 35th St., Ste. 200. This businesses’ phone and operating hours remain the same.
• We’re moving! Our Baxter, Minnesota business will open in its new location on Monday, May 18. (Doors close at the current location at noon, Friday, May 15.) Our new address will be 615 Washington St., Brainerd. This location’s phone and operating hours will remain the same.
• We’re growing! In late June, Lowe Electric Supply, powered by Crescent, will open a new location in Savannah, Georgia.
• Name Change Coming! “Interstate Electric Supply, Powered by Crescent," will become “Crescent Electric Supply Company," or just Crescent for our friends. We’ll still have the same great people and the same great products and solutions you’re used to. We’ll just have a new name on the door. Additionally, our Boise and Nampa locations are going to move to new facilities to better serve you. Don’t worry, we aren’t moving far!
• Price Increases. Review the calendar of planned price increases from suppliers, then talk to your Crescent Sales Rep about purchasing inventory before the costs go up.
• New info on the Knowledge Circuit. Our Electrical Services & Solutions for Wastewater Facilities brochure details everything we offer to help wastewater facilities remain online, prepared, and compliant. Check out the article on the Knowledge Circuit or read the complete brochure here!
• Don’t miss out on Counter Days! Check out our full calendar for details on Branch Events and Counter Days being held across the country.

Market Outlook

• Residential Construction 

As of January, total residential construction spending remained 2.3% higher than a year ago*. While single family construction is still slow, electrical contracting opportunities are in demand for the construction that’s happening. Applying the National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) 2024 cost-of-construction study shares to the January 2026 Census market size results in an estimated $26.2 billion for electrical rough-in only (or about $31.6 billion if lighting is included). 

_{*NAHB, Eye on Housing, April 1, 2026}

• Residential Remodeling 

Residential remodeling continues to remain positive across large ($50,000 or more), moderately sized ($20,000 to $49,000), and small (under $20,000) projects. This trend, which has been swinging upward since the beginning of 2025, is expected to increase 3% this year — and is supported by higher mortgage rates and the number of aging houses*. Overall, homeowners are projected to spend over $500 billion on home improvements by the end of 2026.**

Remodeling projects often involve upgrading wiring, installing additional outlets and switches, replacing lighting, adding lighting controls, and more — making electrical contractors key to a project’s success.

Reach out to your local Crescent rep to explore how we can help you make the most of industrial and commercial opportunities!   

_{*Source: NAHB, 2026 Housing Outlook, Feb. 17, 2026
**Source: Harvard JCHS LIRA, April 15, 2026} 

New Products

Our inventory continues to grow, as we bring you the latest products from leading manufacturers. Whether you’re looking for wiring devices, lighting control solutions, power distribution equipment or lockout/tagout gear, we have you covered.

See for yourself!

Resources & Tools

Support to help you run your business and maximize your profits.  

Reliable cross-reference tools are critical when emergencies or supply chain disruptions leave you without your go-to product, with little time to identify a suitable replacement. To help ensure you can get a solution that’s right for the job, when you need it most, we’ve put together these cross-reference tools from some of our Preferred Supplier Partners.   

Eaton Bussman® FuseFinder
Competitor matching and replacement database

Eaton Cross-Reference Search
Competitor product equivalents

Hubbell Competitor Cross-Reference Tool
Product-specific catalogs and replacement guidance

Leviton Manufacturer Cross-Reference Tool
Leviton equivalent products

Schneider Electric Cross-Reference Tool
Product replacements and equivalents 

Safety Spotlight: Damaged Tools

Making do with unsafe equipment can cost you in terms of efficiency and personal safety. Minimize downtime while protecting yourself — and your coworkers — by inspecting your tools before beginning any job. 

Read More Here