JANUARY '26 NEWSLETTER

ChatGPT Joke of the Month!

Why does the manufacturer’s customer service line have hold music?
So you have something to listen to while they “check with the factory.”

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January Birthdays

• 1/24 - DRod

The Agency News & Memos

• SSU event in our facility on Wednesday, 1/7
• NEMRA
  • Conference is 2/9 thru 2/11
  • Mark, Dave, Andrew, Keith, Mike A, Gary & Doug attending
  • The virtual group sessions begin this week and are on the TEAM calendar and will be forwarded if you'd like to listen in:
    • 1/7 @ 12:45 - Robroy
    • 1/16 @ 10am - Southwire
    • 1/19 @ 11:30am - B-Line/Crouse (GEIS)
    • 1/19 @ 1pm - Eaton North American Business
    • 1/20 @ 2pm - Eaton WD
    • 1/20 @ 3pm - Eaton CP/Resi
• Eaton Wiring Device Inventory
  • Our inventory is LIVE and we've seen some nice will call orders thus far. Keep promoting to ALL of your customers and let's get this inventory turning!
  • Here's what we have IN STOCK​
• YTD Sales thru Dec'25:
  • Electrification
    • Southwire : +16.38%
    • Southwire EP&ES : +20%
    • Eaton B-Line : +5.2%
    • Eaton Crouse Hinds : +14.3%
    • Eaton Bussmann : +21.6%
    • Eaton Resi : -5% (thru Nov'25)
    • Eaton Wiring Devices : +59.1%
    • Robroy : +6.5%
    • World Dryer : -13% (thru Oct'25)
  • Illumination 
    • Working on compiling...
• ​Quote Log as of 1/5/2026
  • Excellent job by all! Keep logging and updating wins/losses!

 Promotions​

• Click below to view current promotions!​

Interesting Reads 
🔹Article 1 — Power Grid & Data-Center Demand
Title: Illinois running low on power as AI data centers spike electricity demand
Source / Date: Chicago Sun-Times / Dec. 16, 2025 Chicago Sun-Times
Link: https://chicago.suntimes.com/environment/2025/12/16/illinois-pritzker-energy-needs-nuclear-gas-power-plants-climate-change-renewable Chicago Sun-Times
Why it matters: A recent state report highlights that demand from AI data centers is pushing Illinois toward potential future power shortages and higher utility costs, signaling infrastructure stress and the need for new generation or grid improvements. Chicago Sun-Times
Summary: Older fossil fuel plants are retiring, renewables are slow to come online, and data centers (especially AI facilities) are driving up consumption — with ComEd customers already seeing higher bills. Lawmakers and regulators may need to accelerate power infrastructure planning and consider new generation sources. Chicago Sun-Times

🔹 Article 2 — Electrical Grid & Shortage Warning
Title: Illinois electrical grids could face power shortages and price increases, state report warns
Source / Date: WTTW / Dec. 19, 2025 WTTW News
Link: https://news.wttw.com/2025/12/19/illinois-electrical-grids-could-face-power-shortages-and-price-increases-state-report WTTW News
Why it matters: This follow-up state agency analysis forecasts tightening grid capacity by the end of the decade with rising load pressures from data centers, transportation electrification and industrial growth. WTTW News
Summary: The report warns of projected shortfalls in both northern (ComEd) and downstate (Ameren) service territories, potentially leading to more imports of power, higher prices and renewed debate over planning goals and regulatory priorities. WTTW News

🔹 Article 3 — Local Electric Bills & Data Centers
Title: Data centers are driving up electric bills and some Chicago suburbs are now placing moratoriums
Source / Date: CBS Chicago / Dec. 16, 2025 CBS News
Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/data-centers-electric-bills-citizens-utility-board-suburban-moratoriums/ CBS News
Why it matters: Municipalities such as Aurora have temporarily paused new data center approvals due to community concerns about utility load impacts and rising energy bills. CBS News
Summary: According to the Citizens Utility Board, rising demand from data centers contributed to summer bill increases. Some local councils are responding by pausing new projects to study grid and environmental effects — a trend that may become more common regionally. CBS News

🔹 Article 4 — Chicago Smart Lighting Workforce
Title: Chicago Smart Lighting Program Workforce Highlights
Source / Date: Chicago Open Data / recent updates (no specific date) Chicago Smart Lighting Program
Link: https://chicagosmartlighting-chicago.opendata.arcgis.com/pages/workforce-highlights Chicago Smart Lighting Program
Why it matters: Workforce development efforts tied to city smart lighting initiatives show demand for trained technicians and contractors familiar with LED, networked controls, and infrastructure modernization. Chicago Smart Lighting Program
Summary: The Smart Lighting program in Chicago highlights job opportunities and hiring pipelines for roles supporting energy-efficient street lighting and control systems — which ties into broader electrical workforce needs. Chicago Smart Lighting Program

📌 Key Takeaways This Week

• Data center growth continues to stress electrical infrastructure — Illinois grid reports suggest potential capacity struggles tied in part to AI demand. Chicago Sun-Times
• Utility costs and approvals are political flashpoints — rising bills in the Chicago suburbs have prompted moratoriums and local pushback against new data centers. CBS News
• Workforce demand remains strong — programs like Chicago’s Smart Lighting initiative illustrate growing opportunities for trained electrical technicians and contractors. Chicago Smart Lighting Program

👀 Things to Watch

• Grid planning & infrastructure investments: Follow upcoming state and utility announcements on transmission upgrades or new generation approvals that affect capacity planning.
• Municipal regulation of data centers: If other suburbs adopt moratoriums, project timelines and community negotiations could shift.
• Workforce pipelines: Continued focus on training and hiring for advanced lighting and power systems could ease local skill shortages.

Monthly Calendar