Virtually every home has them – energy vampires. According to NECA contractor J Bathe Electric, they hide in “appliances and devices that quietly draw power around the clock, even when you think they’re off. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standby power accounts for 5–10% of residential electricity use and can cost the average household up to $183 per year.” Entertainment systems top the list, but J Bathe notes that “older appliances are typically the worst offenders. A device from ten years ago might draw 10–15 watts on standby.” Fortunately, a professional electrical assessment can uncover inefficiencies your bill won’t explain. Learn more in the latest blog by J-Bathe.

NECA contractor Coltrane Systems earned a spotlight as one of the region’s best places to work, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.  Working with employee-survey company Energage, the Post-Dispatch awarded Coltrane a Top Workplace in 2026. Employees were anonymously surveyed to encourage honest feedback on factors such as pay and benefits, direction, leadership, meaningfulness and appreciation. See the complete list of winners.

As they do every year, our NECA contractors are guiding the future of the electrical industry through well-structured intern programs.  At PayneCrest Electric, 11 interns this summer are getting hands-on experience in the field, learning new tools, contributing in the office and on job sites. They also visit major project sites. And some of the interns will eventually find jobs at PayneCrest.