Commercial property owners in Wisconsin face the dual challenge of maintaining reliable electrical systems while staying ahead of evolving energy standards and technologies. With the state experiencing varied weather patterns and rising energy costs, smart electrical upgrades aren’t just about convenience—they’re an investment in long-term performance and savings.
Whether you’re looking to modernize your facility, attract eco-conscious tenants, or comply with updated codes, here are the top electrical upgrades for commercial buildings in Wisconsin.
1. Energy-Efficient LED Lighting
Lighting is a significant portion of a building’s energy consumption. Switching from outdated fluorescent or incandescent fixtures to energy-efficient LED lighting is one of the quickest and most cost-effective upgrades.
Benefits:
- Lower energy bills: LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs.
- Longer lifespan: LEDs last significantly longer, reducing maintenance costs.
- Improved lighting quality: LEDs offer better brightness and color rendering.
- Smart controls: Incorporate motion sensors, daylight harvesting, and dimmers for additional energy savings.
In Wisconsin, where daylight hours vary drastically with the seasons, smart lighting systems can automatically adapt to natural light, ensuring optimal usage and savings year-round.
2. Electrical Panel and Service Upgrades
As businesses grow and integrate more equipment or automation, their electrical load increases. An outdated or undersized electrical panel can limit your building’s functionality, pose safety hazards, and hinder future upgrades.
Why upgrade your electrical panel:
- Prevent overloaded circuits and frequent breaker trips.
- Support higher demand from HVAC systems, data centers, or industrial equipment.
- Prepare for future tech additions like EV chargers or solar panels.
- Meet modern safety codes and insurance requirements.
If your commercial building is still running on a 100-amp panel or older fuse boxes, it’s time to consult with a licensed Wisconsin electrician for an assessment.
3. EV Charging Stations
As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows in Wisconsin and across the country, installing EV charging stations can boost your building’s appeal to tenants, employees, and customers. It’s not just an environmental gesture—it’s a competitive advantage.
Types of EV chargers:
- Level 1: Basic 120V charging, suitable for low-traffic areas.
- Level 2: 240V charging, ideal for commercial use with faster turnaround.
- DC Fast Charging: Rapid charging stations for high-demand areas.
Incentives in Wisconsin: Commercial buildings may qualify for local or federal incentives, such as tax credits or utility rebates, to offset installation costs.
4. Backup Generators and Power Management Systems
Unpredictable Wisconsin weather—including snowstorms and thunderstorms—can lead to power outages. For businesses, downtime means lost revenue and productivity. Installing a backup generator ensures continuity during outages.
Pairing a generator with a smart power management system can:
- Automatically switch power sources during outages.
- Prioritize essential circuits to maximize uptime.
- Reduce stress on your electrical system during high demand.
This is especially valuable for hospitals, manufacturing facilities, data centers, and other mission-critical buildings.
5. Smart Building Automation
Smart electrical systems are transforming commercial spaces into energy-efficient, automated environments. These systems allow building managers to control lighting, HVAC, security, and energy usage from a centralized dashboard or mobile device.
Smart upgrades include:
- Automated lighting schedules
- Occupancy-based climate control
- Remote energy monitoring
- Integrated security systems
This upgrade is particularly beneficial for large facilities in Wisconsin, where managing multiple zones efficiently can lead to substantial energy savings.
6. Surge Protection Systems
Wisconsin’s seasonal storms and aging infrastructure can lead to unexpected power surges. Protecting your electrical equipment and systems with whole-building surge protection is an essential upgrade.
Surge protection helps:
- Prevent costly equipment damage
- Extend the lifespan of HVAC units, computers, and other electronics
- Reduce fire risk from electrical spikes
This is a relatively inexpensive upgrade with a high return on investment, especially for tech-heavy operations.
7. Upgrading to Energy Management Systems (EMS)
Commercial energy usage is a growing concern, especially with increasing utility rates in Wisconsin. Installing an Energy Management System (EMS) helps you monitor and optimize electricity use across the building.
Advantages of EMS:
- Real-time data tracking and analysis
- Identification of energy waste and inefficiencies
- Automatic load shedding during peak hours
- Data for LEED certification or sustainability reports
An EMS not only helps lower operational costs but also supports your building’s environmental goals.
Partner with Kish and Sons for Commercial Upgrades in Wisconsin
At Kish and Sons Electric, we specialize in helping businesses modernize their electrical systems with smart, efficient, and code-compliant solutions. Our licensed electricians bring years of experience in commercial upgrades, from panel replacements to EV charger installations.
Whether you’re managing a retail complex, office building, warehouse, or healthcare facility, we provide customized recommendations to fit your needs and budget.
Ready to upgrade your commercial building? Contact Kish and Sons Electric today to schedule a site assessment. We’re your friends in the business!
