Injecting some reality into the AI hype
When it comes to using artificial intelligence at an electricity utility, focus on the problem you are trying to solve, not the cool technology Read More at ESI Africa
IEA: Global coal demand has reached a plateau
Forecasting key trends around demand, supply and trade of coal internationally to 2030 Read More at ESI Africa
Energy efficiency opportunities in heavy industry
Four energy lessons from a coal mine that could save millions Read More at ESI Africa
Unemployment Rate Inches Higher After Shutdown
The unemployment rate rose to its four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4% year over year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Positively, employers added 64,000 jobs in November. Household survey data for October 2025 were not collected due to the federal government shutdown. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for teenagers …
4 Products That Make Cabinets Last
Cabinet painting continues to be a steady category for independent paint retailers, driven by homeowners looking to update kitchens and baths without a full remodel. Stocking the right mix of coatings, prep tools and accessories helps stores support both DIY customers and professionals who want durable finishes and efficient workflows. From cabinet-specific paints to drying …
5 Products to Stock for Customers Looking for Everything
Supplier switching behavior is rising, especially among younger homeowners, according to the Quarterly Home Improvement Tracker, released by The Farnsworth Group. Gen Z are the most open demographic, with almost 50% saying they would try a new supplier, while only 1 in 10 Baby Boomers would. To grab those customers looking to make a change, …
HIRI Gives Insight on Future of Large-Scale Home Improvement Projects
Independent retailers come into 2026 with a cooling renovation market, a cost-sensitive customer with a shift toward DIY. Dave King, executive director of the Home Improvement Research Institute, says those pressures hit independent retailers differently than big-box chains because they have less pricing power when customers start shopping harder for value. King says the slowdown …
Hot Products – December 25, 2025
Work Light The 10,000 Lumen Spot Light from JohnDow Industries is a high-output LED work light producing up to 10,000 lumens. It has a focused beam for long-distance illumination, a durable housing and a handle for positioning on job site or shop surfaces. JohnDow Industries | johndow.com Work Boot Socks The Merino The post Hot Products …
Keeping Jobs Moving and Customers Warm: The Rise of Portable Heating Solutions in Winter Callouts
Winter always exposes the weak points in heating systems, but this year installers are feeling the pressure earlier than usual. Breakdown calls are climbing, planned upgrades are clashing with cold snaps and customers still expect normality even when their heating is out of action. According to Arctic Hayes, this is driving renewed demand for reliable …
NERSA explains process for submission of tariff applications for 2026/27 financial year
All licensed distributors are implored to submit their FY2026/27 electricity tariff applications on or before 20 March 2026 Read More at ESI Africa
Design Manager: Solar PV/Wind/BESS sought in Cape Town
The successful candidate will serve as the central interface between engineering teams and external stakeholders, ensuring technically sound, compliant, and timely design delivery Read More at ESI Africa
Africa’s infrastructure crisis: Addressing debt and sustainability
If Africa is to expand its infrastructure development, it will have to relook its debt profile Read More at ESI Africa
Builder Confidence Rises, Still Negative
Builder confidence inched higher to end the year but remains well into negative territory as builders continue to grapple with rising construction costs, tariffs and economic uncertainty, and as many potential buyers remain on the sidelines due to affordability concerns. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes rose one point to 39 …
Record Number of Shoppers Expected Before Christmas
Around 158.9 million consumers plan to shop on the last Saturday before Christmas, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The number is up from 157.2 million shoppers in 2024, and surpasses the previous record of 158.5 million in 2022. “As the final Saturday before Dec. 25, …
Bid Window 7 and transmission infrastructure procurement in SA
Alongside announcing qualifying bidders for the first round of transmission infrastructure procurement, plans for new transformer manufacturing capacity were addressed Read More at ESI Africa
Thorn Lighting’s College 2 wins Lighting Product of the Year
https://www.electricaltimes.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/TLG_COLLEGE2_Social_Media_1920x1080px_en.mp4 College 2 has been completely re-imagined to meet the evolving demands of modern educational spaces. Designed and manufactured in Spennymoor, UK, it pairs low-glare, high-quality light with installer-friendly engineering. A patent-pending hinged gear tray allows safe, eye-level wiring and ground-level servicing; a hidden connector enables neat continuous runs. Seven mounting options simplify one-for-one …
VisNet surpasses 25,000 Hubs in the field milestone as it scales to meet UK grid challenges
Major milestone sees VisNet’s network monitoring tech support over 5.5 million homes across the UK VisNet from EA Technology, the world’s leading grid-edge intelligence business, has reached a major milestone with the deployment of its 25,000th Hub device. The VisNet Hub, a compact low-voltage (LV) monitoring device installed at substations, provides Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) …
HULL FIRM POWERS ON WITH COLLEGE IMPROVEMENTS
A Hull-based building services engineering company has completed the first year of a three-year electrical maintenance contract with Hull College, which has already resulted in major energy savings. The partnership between GW Power and Hull College has already delivered significant improvements across the college’s estate, supporting its commitment to sustainable transport and greener campus operations. …
Smart grid orchestration as an energy efficiency tool
Intelligent, real-time coordination of all grid assets makes for proactive control rather than passive reaction Read More at ESI Africa
From raw materials to refined returns
When it comes to stepping up the value chain in Africa, the continent’s downward exploration trend underscores structural issues Read More at ESI Africa
Botswana: Key milestone for Mmadinare solar energy cluster
The milestone for the solar project strengthens the country’s push to scale up domestic power generation and cut carbon emissions Read More at ESI Africa
Holiday Sales Predictions On Track
Retail sales saw strong year-over-year growth in November, with the first half of the month posting results on track to meet the National Retail Federation’s spending forecast, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. “Retail sales showed healthy year-over-year gains in November while month-over-month data was largely flat,” says Matthew Shay, NRF President and CEO. “Shoppers looking …
PPG Announces New Board of Directors Member
PPG announced that Todd M. Schneider, president and chief executive officer of Cintas, has been elected to join PPG’s board of directors, effective Jan. 14, 2026. Schneider will serve on the nominating and governance and sustainability and innovation committees of PPG’s board. “PPG’s board of directors continuously seeks to strengthen its experience and membership to …
Drayton Rewards+ points now redeemable for top retail vouchers this Christmas
Drayton, leading manufacturer of heating controls, has revealed that its Rewards+ points can now be redeemed for a range of popular retail vouchers, helping installers save big this Christmas. With the busiest shopping season here, members of Drayton’s loyalty programme can exchange points earned through Drayton product installations directly for digital vouchers, via the Drayton …