The Electric Link
Southwest Industrial Electric | March 2026
Welcome to the March 2026 Edition of The Electric Link.
March brought strong momentum across our projects and industry engagement. Our teams stayed focused in the field while also representing Southwest Industrial Electric at key events and conversations shaping the future of electrical infrastructure.
This edition highlights our presence at EV Summit, recent speaking engagements, current project work, and practical updates for facility owners and project teams.
Upcoming Events. Industry Connections and Field Leadership
EV Summit and Expo, Las Vegas
March 17 to 19, 2026
Southwest Industrial Electric attended the EV Summit and Expo in Las Vegas this month. The event brought together developers, operators, and electrical contractors focused on scaling EV infrastructure across the United States.
Kristin Larson, Chief Executive Officer, and Derek Carley, Sales Manager, represented SIE across multiple sessions.
Derek Carley spoke on Designing for Scale. Future Proofing Your Charging Site from Day One. The session focused on load planning, early design decisions, and avoiding costly retrofits as sites expand.
Kristin Larson and Derek Carley also led a Shop Talk session alongside Eagle Systems on How Electrical Teams Build Better Outcomes Through Turnkey Projects. The discussion focused on coordination between design and construction teams, schedule control, and long term performance.
The session led to extended discussion, with strong engagement and questions from most attendees.
In addition, Southwest Industrial Electric will be exhibiting at the upcoming SoCal Facilities Expo in April. Our team will be on site connecting with facility managers, property teams, and operators to discuss electrical infrastructure, maintenance, and EV charging solutions.
If you are attending, we welcome you to stop by our booth and connect with the team.
Women in Construction Week
This month, Southwest Industrial Electric recognized Women in Construction Week, highlighting the impact of women across the trades and infrastructure industry.
We highlighted the women across the SIE team, from electricians in the field to administrative staff and our executive leadership, recognizing the role each plays in delivering our work.
Our CEO, Kristin Larson, also attended a NAWIC LA & Orange County Chapter Women in Construction Week event, supporting continued engagement and connection within the industry.
We remain focused on building opportunities and supporting long-term careers across our team.
Project Spotlight. EV Charging Infrastructure Buildout
This month we highlight a large scale EV infrastructure project supporting high-capacity charging at IKEA San Francisco.
Scope included site preparation, underground trenching, and installation of a 2,000 amp switchboard supporting DC fast charging, along with service entrance equipment and distribution for fleet chargers. Crews installed conduit, conductors, trapeze racking, cable tray systems, and protective bollards while coordinating closely with utility providers through multiple service changes.
The project also included installation and commissioning of (8) fleet chargers and (6) DC fast charging dispensers, with overhead and underground routing designed to keep the site organized and serviceable.
The system was built to support current charging demand while allowing for future expansion with minimal disruption.
The result is a scalable charging site with reliable power distribution, organized infrastructure layout, and long term flexibility for high traffic commercial use.
This Date in Electrical History - March 27, 1896
Niagara Falls power transmission to Buffalo begins operation
In March 1896, power generated at Niagara Falls was transmitted over 20 miles to Buffalo, New York. The system used high voltage alternating current developed by Nikola Tesla and implemented by George Westinghouse.
This project proved electricity could be generated in one location and delivered efficiently over distance. That milestone helped establish the foundation for modern power grids and large scale electrical infrastructure used today.
Meet the Team. Kirstin Kornmann
This month, we highlight Kirstin Kornmann, Sales Services Representative. She keeps sales moving and also helps handle day-to-day customer communication.
What is your role at SIE and what drives your work
"I am the Sales Services Representative. I support and facilitate the efficient production of the Sales Division. The fact that we work as a team to solve problems and the opportunity to build lasting relationships is what interests me in such work."
What do you enjoy most about your job and working at SIE?
"I enjoy the people I work with every day. The Sales team is a group of fun, knowledgeable, and professional individuals who make it easy to work together."
Client Shoutout
“Doug was very professional and provided excellent service. Everything went smoothly on my end, and I would recommend Southwest Industrial Electric to business partners and friends.” Chief Production Officer, Dani Palazzoni - CP Gelato