Michigan’s energy landscape is undergoing significant change. According to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) Winter Energy Appraisal for 2025–2026, demand for both electricity and natural gas is expected to rise, adding pressure to infrastructure, pricing, and long-term planning across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

Growing Demand, Adequate Supply

The MPSC projects electricity demand to increase 2.9% in 2025, reaching approximately 100.46 terawatt-hours, up from 98.8 TWh in 2024. Residential demand leads the increase at 5.8%, followed by commercial growth of 3.2%, while industrial demand is expected to dip slightly by 0.6%.

Natural gas usage is also forecast to rise 3.3% overall, driven by strong growth in:

• Commercial demand: +14.4%
• Residential demand: +13.9%
• Industrial demand: +12.1%

At the same time, natural gas used for electric generation is expected to decline 10.8%, reflecting continued shifts in generation strategies.

Despite rising demand, the appraisal indicates no anticipated supply shortages. Independent system operators serving Michigan, along with the state’s capacity demonstration process, confirm that sufficient generation and transmission capacity is available to meet projected needs.

Energy Prices Continue to Climb

While supply remains stable, costs are trending upward. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts average residential electricity prices in the East North Central region to reach 17.57 cents per kWh in 2025, a 6.3% increase year over year. Actual prices in Michigan will continue to vary by utility.

Fuel costs show mixed movement:

• Residential propane averaged $2.16 per gallon in October 2025, unchanged from 2024.
• No. 2 heating oil began the season at $3.13 per gallon, up slightly year over year.
• Midwest gasoline prices are expected to average $2.96 per gallon in 2025 before dropping to $2.65 in 2026, with gasoline demand declining modestly.

Utility Rate Hikes Add Pressure

In March 2025, the MPSC approved a $154 million electric rate increase for Consumers Energy. Although the approved amount was significantly lower than the utility’s original $325 million request, it follows another rate hike approved just a year earlier. These recurring increases underscore the growing cost burden on Michigan ratepayers, even as energy demand continues to rise.

The Impact of AI and Data Centers

A major driver behind increasing electricity demand nationwide is the rapid expansion of AI-driven data centers. Investment in data center infrastructure now exceeds what the U.S. spent to build the entire interstate highway system (inflation-adjusted). These facilities require massive, continuous power loads, placing additional strain on regional grids.

As utilities invest heavily in new generation, transmission, and grid upgrades to support this growth, costs are often passed on to customers—contributing to higher electric bills for residential and commercial users alike.

What This Means for Industrial Operations

For manufacturers, utilities, and large-scale facilities, these trends highlight the importance of:

• Reliable, scalable electrical infrastructure
• Efficient power distribution equipment
• Forward-looking planning to accommodate load growth and rate volatility

At J&P Electrical Company, we support industrial customers navigating this evolving energy environment by supplying large-scale, high-quality electrical equipment designed to meet increasing demand while maintaining reliability and compliance. As Michigan’s energy needs continue to grow, having the right electrical infrastructure in place will be more critical than ever.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

J&P Electrical supplies a wide range of new, used, and refurbished electrical products, including comprehensive bus duct systems designed for industrial, commercial, and large-scale infrastructure projects. Two of the most common insulation types, air-insulated and sandwich-insulated, offer distinct advantages depending on budget, space, and performance requirements.

Air-Insulated Bus Duct

Air-insulated bus duct uses air as the insulating medium between conductors. It remains a cost-effective choice for facilities where budget is a primary factor and ample physical space is available. Because this style requires more clearance and a larger installation footprint, it’s typically selected for applications with minimal space constraints.

Sandwich-Insulated Bus Duct

Sandwich-insulated bus duct relies on solid insulating materials such as epoxy or polyester to isolate the conductors. This design delivers stronger protection against environmental exposure and reduces the likelihood of electrical faults. Its compact, durable construction makes it ideal for high-rise buildings, industrial environments, and commercial complexes—anywhere space optimization and enhanced safety are essential.

How to Choose the Best Bus Duct for Your Project

Project-specific requirements ultimately determine the best choice:

• When space is limited, sandwich-insulated systems are often the preferred solution.
• When cost sensitivity is a primary factor, and there is room for larger equipment, air-insulated designs may be more practical.

Advances in insulation technologies continue to shape the bus duct market. Improved materials with enhanced thermal and electrical properties drive demand for higher-performance systems, particularly in projects that prioritize reliability, safety, and long-term efficiency.

J&P Electrical supports these needs by providing a full inventory of bus duct products and components—new, used, and expertly refurbished—ensuring customers receive dependable solutions tailored to their application.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Bus duct is essential for safely distributing electrical power in industrial and commercial settings. They come in three main types—segregated, non-segregated, and isolated phase—each designed for specific performance and safety needs.

Segregated Phase Bus Ducts

These systems keep each electrical phase separated by barriers to prevent faults and improve safety. They’re commonly used in power plants and large industrial sites where reliability is critical.

Non-Segregated Phase Bus Ducts

In this type, all phases share a common enclosure without barriers. They are less expensive and easier to install, making them ideal for commercial buildings and smaller industrial applications where fault risk is low and budgets are tighter.

Isolated Phase Bus Ducts

Each phase is completely enclosed in its own grounded housing, offering the highest level of protection and reliability. These are typically used in high-capacity generation facilities and critical infrastructure where downtime is unacceptable.

At J&P Electrical, our team specializes in refurbishing all types of bus duct systems, saving your company significant costs compared to purchasing new. Each refurbished unit is thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored to like-new condition—delivering reliable performance and long service life at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

Have heavy electrical equipment to sell? J&P Electrical also buys and specializes in asset recovery. Contact us to buy or sell today.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Choosing refurbished transformers from J&P Electrical offers major advantages. Refurbished units cost less than new ones and are available with much shorter lead times—ideal for projects that can’t wait. Opting for a remanufactured transformer also reduces environmental impact by giving existing equipment a second life instead of relying on new manufacturing.

At J&P Electrical, every used transformer is carefully inspected to ensure it’s worth restoring. Our technicians rebuild each unit to like-new condition using high-quality materials and advanced techniques. Every transformer is rigorously tested for performance, safety, and durability before leaving our facility, giving you dependable operation and long service life—at a fraction of the cost of new equipment.

We stock and refurbish transformers from top manufacturers such as Federal Pacific, GE, Siemens, and Westinghouse. Options include single- and three-phase dry-type units ranging from 1 to 2500 kVA. Our extensive industry network allows us to source hard-to-find voltages for specialized or international applications.

All refurbished transformers are backed by a full one-year warranty. Whether you need a quick replacement or a budget-friendly solution that performs like new, J&P Electrical delivers reliable, high-performance transformers ready to meet your power needs.

Contact us today to find the right refurbished transformer for your operation.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

At J&P Electrical, we provide a wide range of electrical products and services—including new surplus, used, and refurbished heavy-industrial electrical components. Substations and power distribution equipment are among the critical systems we work with every day, helping facilities maintain reliable, efficient operations.

What Are Substations?

In industrial settings, a substation is a collection of devices working together to convert main distribution power into usable power for a facility. These systems often include transformers, lightning arrestors, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, switches, and fuses. Together, these components ensure consistent, high-quality power while protecting against outages.

Substations are commonly seen fenced near power lines or positioned at manufacturing facilities where large amounts of power are required.

What Are Unit Substations?

A unit substation takes incoming utility service and converts it to match a facility’s operating needs. This setup integrates three sections into one physical unit:

• Medium-voltage section – Includes switches, fused switches, or breakers (typically 4kV–20kV) to protect and distribute power.
• Transformer section – Reduces the medium voltage to a lower voltage, with primary/secondary connections, monitoring equipment, and sometimes cooling fans.
• Low-voltage section – Contains a main breaker and distribution breakers, delivering power directly to plant equipment or breaker panels. Common voltages here are 480V in modern facilities and 600V in older plants.

Alternatives: Pad-Mount Transformers

For smaller or mid-sized facilities, an alternative to a unit substation is a pad-mount transformer. These are utility-owned and maintained, typically mounted outside the facility. They provide the necessary voltage directly, while the facility is responsible for the cables leading into its low-voltage distribution gear.

The distribution gear functions similarly to the low-voltage section of a unit substation, housing the main utility protection and distributing power to machines and panels through breakers or disconnects.

Choosing Between a Unit Substation and Pad-Mount Transformer

The right choice depends on a facility’s requirements, future growth plans, and available resources. Both systems offer distinct advantages:

Unit Substation Advantages:

• Greater facility control over operation.
• Power sizing is determined by the substation, not utility limits.
• High-voltage distribution allows efficient power delivery over smaller cables.

Pad-Mount Transformer Advantages:

• Utility handles transformer costs and maintenance.
• No need for medium-voltage equipment, training, or upkeep.
• Lower equipment costs with smaller service sizes.
• Reduced electrical footprint without medium-voltage gear.

A Critical Component of Power Distribution

Whether using a unit substation or a pad-mount transformer, both systems are essential for ensuring safe and efficient electrical distribution. Each option has its place, depending on the facility’s size, complexity, and needs. At J&P Electrical, we support businesses by providing the products, expertise, and solutions needed to keep these systems operating at peak performance.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

At J&P Electrical, we know how important reliable electrical equipment is to contractors, end-users, and supply houses. That’s why, for decades, we’ve specialized in providing new surplus, quality reconditioned, and hard-to-find obsolete electrical equipment—and we’re proud to announce that our recent expansion into Warren, MI, is making us even more competitive than ever.

Bigger Facility, Better Pricing

With the purchase of our 40,000-square-foot building in Warren, MI, J&P Electrical now has the capacity to stock an even greater range of electrical products, including bus duct, tap boxes, end caps, panel switches, substations, transformers, and more.

More importantly, this new space has given us the ability to fabricate more parts in-house. By controlling more of the process, we reduce overhead costs, cut down on lead times, and pass the savings directly on to our customers. The result? Lower prices, faster turnaround, and the same high-quality products you’ve come to trust.

Why Choose Refurbished and Fabricated Equipment from J&P?

• Competitive Pricing – Our expanded facility lets us slash costs without cutting corners.
• Extensive Inventory – From bus plugs to transformers, we keep thousands of items in stock, ready to ship.
• Hard-to-Find Parts – Need obsolete equipment? We’ve got you covered.
• Trusted Experience – We’ve been supplying the electrical industry for years, and our reputation is built on reliability and service.
• Guaranteed Quality – Every product we sell is backed by a full one-year warranty.

Standing Behind Every Product

At J&P Electrical, we don’t just sell parts—we stand behind our work. Whether it’s a newly fabricated piece or a refurbished item, you can count on our full one-year warranty for peace of mind.

Partner with J&P Electrical

As we continue to grow, our mission remains the same: to be your trusted partner for electrical equipment solutions that save you time and money.

Ready to find the equipment you need at the price you want? Contact J&P Electrical today to learn more about our inventory, fabrication services, and industry-leading support.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

At J&P Electrical, we offer a wide range of disconnect switches, available in ratings from 30 to 4000 amps and in NEMA 1, 3R, and 12 configurations. Our inventory includes new and refurbished general-duty, heavy-duty, and outdoor/weatherproof fusible switches from top manufacturers like Square D, Siemens, Eaton, Murray, GE, and more. Whatever type of safety switch or electrical component you need, J&P Electrical has you covered. Think of us as your go-to source for high-quality, reliable, heavy-industrial electrical components.

What Are Disconnects and Why Are They Important?

Disconnects are essential safety devices that isolate electrical circuits from their power source, allowing for safe maintenance, repairs, and emergency interventions. They prevent accidental power flow and reduce electrical hazards, ensuring the safety of both equipment and personnel in commercial and industrial environments.

Types of Safety Disconnects

There are several types of disconnects used in commercial and industrial settings, each designed for specific applications:

1. Fusible Disconnects: These switches are equipped with fuses that automatically disconnect the circuit in the event of an overload or fault. This ensures that excessive current does not damage the equipment or create safety hazards.
2. Non-Fused Disconnects: Unlike fusible disconnects, non-fused switches rely on other protective devices, such as circuit breakers, to provide overcurrent protection. These are ideal in installations where additional protection is already in place.
3. Double Throw Disconnects: These switches enable a circuit to be switched between two different power sources, making them useful in systems where a backup power source or dual-source supply is required.
4. Heavy-Duty and Weatherproof Disconnects: Heavy-duty switches are designed to handle demanding applications, while weatherproof switches are built to endure harsh outdoor environments, offering protection from the elements.

Quality and Service You Can Trust

At J&P Electrical, we offer both new and reconditioned disconnect switches to ensure you have the right equipment for your electrical safety needs, all while keeping costs affordable. We take pride in offering thoroughly inspected, reconditioned fusible disconnects that come with a one-year warranty. Whether you’re purchasing a new or refurbished unit from top brands, you can rely on quick fulfillment, dependable products, and exceptional customer service.

For more information or to browse our selection of disconnects, visit our website or contact our team today. J&P Electrical is here to help you make the safest and most informed choices for your electrical systems.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Save money and avoid costly downtime by upgrading or replacing deteriorated busway and bus plugs with reconditioned to enhance your facility’s operations. By making this smart investment, you ensure the long-term reliability of your electrical system while improving overall efficiency and performance. Reconditioned and safety-tested bus plugs offer significant savings over new equipment while maintaining high reliability and performance. These bus plugs undergo rigorous testing and inspection to meet industry standards, safeguarding your system’s integrity and ensuring dependable operation. Additionally, used and reconditioned options are often more readily available, reducing lead times and enabling faster upgrades, helping to minimize disruptions and keep your business running smoothly.

The J&P Electrical Guarantee

Not only can you save 50-75% compared to the cost of new equipment, but you can also trust that our reconditioned products are completely rebuilt, inspected, and tested to look and perform like new. At J&P Electrical, we specialize in producing high-quality reconditioned equipment. Our rigorous process starts with products that have a UL listing from the manufacturer. Each part is disassembled, cleaned, inspected, and painted with a durable acrylic enamel before being reassembled. Finally, all equipment is tested multiple times to ensure it meets or exceeds the manufacturer’s UL certification, with dielectric voltage withstand testing covering phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground (neutral). The result is equipment that is as reliable and durable as new, at a fraction of the cost—and all products come with a full one-year warranty.

Buyer’s Checklist for Bus Plugs

Ensure you choose the right bus plug by considering:

• Amperage: Match the bus plug’s capacity to your electrical load.
• Grounding: Opt for options that ensure safety and system stability.
• Fusible or Breaker Style: Select based on cost considerations or operational needs.
• Voltage: Verify compatibility with your system’s electrical potential.
• Bus Plug Wiring: Ensure compatibility for effective connection and performance.

FAQ’s About Selecting the Right Bus Plug Replacements

• What factors should determine the amperage rating for my bus plugs?

When selecting the amperage rating for your bus plugs, consider your system’s electrical load, the maximum current the bus plug can handle, and potential future expansion needs. Selecting the correct amperage helps prevent overloading, enhances safety, and prolongs the lifespan of your electrical components.

• Should I choose fusible or breaker-style bus plugs?

Your specific requirements will guide your choice between fusible or breaker-style bus plugs. Fusible bus plugs are cost-effective and can handle higher fault currents, but they need fuse replacement after each use. On the other hand, breaker-style bus plugs are resettable with adjustable trip settings, reducing downtime and offering greater operational flexibility, though they typically come with a higher initial cost.

• How crucial is proper grounding, and what options are available?

Proper grounding is crucial for ensuring electrical safety and achieving optimal system performance. It safeguards against faults and surges, reducing the risk of equipment damage while ensuring compliance with safety regulations. To ensure a secure and stable electrical environment, make sure the bus plugs you choose offer adequate grounding options that align with your system’s needs.

• What voltage ratings are suitable for my electrical system?

Verify your electrical system’s voltage requirements to ensure safe compatibility with the bus plugs. For safe and efficient operation, the bus plug’s voltage rating should be equal to or greater than your system’s operating voltage. Common voltage ratings include 120V, 208V, 240V, 480V, and 600V. To prevent malfunctions or safety hazards, ensure the bus plugs you select can handle the voltage in your system.

• What are the advantages of reconditioned bus plugs compared to new ones?

These options offer substantial cost savings while delivering reliability and performance comparable to new components. Reconditioned bus plugs undergo comprehensive testing to ensure they meet industry standards, making them a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining and upgrading your electrical system.

For assistance, contact JP Electrical to explore how our reconditioned, safety-tested busway and bus plugs can meet your electrical needs.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

Being able to find replacement molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) is crucial to maintaining older industrial electrical systems. As vital components of power distribution, MCCBs protect systems from short-circuiting and overloading. However, sourcing compatible replacements can be challenging, especially when dealing with discontinued models. This article will help you identify MCCBs, so you can ensure that your systems remain functional, safe, and compliant.

Obtaining Accurate Specifications of Your MCCBs

The first step in finding a suitable replacement is documenting the breaker’s specifications. Since molded case circuit breakers come in various configurations, make sure to record the following:

• Model Number and Brand: These help identify the exact type and allow suppliers to match specifications.
• Voltage and Amp Rating: Ensure the breaker matches the system’s power requirements.
• Trip Characteristics: Different MCCBs have specific trip functions, so alignment with your system is crucial.
• Physical Dimensions: Ensuring the breaker fits within the system’s enclosure is key to maintaining system integrity.

By accurately documenting these details, you can minimize downtime. With the right information, J&P Electricals’ sales team can quickly identify and source the exact replacement breaker you need. Reach out for a quote today!

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment provider specializing in new surplus, reconditioned, and obsolete electrical components. Serving contractors, supply houses, and end users, we offer a broad range of products, from busways and bus plugs to transformers, circuit breakers, and more.

Our asset recovery division focuses on complete electrical tear downs and plant cleanouts, working with prominent companies such as Adamo, Bierlein, and Brandenburg. We provide competitive prices by cutting out the middleman, ensuring our customers receive top-quality, refurbished equipment at a fraction of the cost. Our team of experienced, professional staff is committed to upholding the highest safety standards and delivering exceptional service.

Asset Recovery & Purchasing Electrical Equipment

At J&P, we don’t just supply equipment; we also buy. If you have excess or unused electrical equipment, we’ll purchase it directly from you. Our team buys a wide range of items, including transformers, bus plugs, panel switches, disconnects, fuses, and bus duct, offering competitive prices for your surplus inventory.

Why Choose J&P Electrical?

• Wide Range of Products: From brand-new surplus to professionally reconditioned equipment, we offer products that meet the needs of any commercial or industrial project.
• Fast Service, Great Prices: We understand the importance of time in the electrical industry. Our large 50,000 sq. ft. facility and motivated staff ensure that you get the equipment you need—fast and affordably.
• Full Warranty: All our products come with a one-year warranty, ensuring peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
• Asset Recovery Expertise: Our team specializes in electrical asset recovery and plant cleanouts, offering efficient and safe services that save you money.

Get in Touch with J&P Electrical

Whether you’re looking for quality products or comprehensive asset recovery services, we have you covered with over 50 years of experience and the buying power to get the job done right. For more information or to schedule an asset recovery, contact us directly. Let J&P Electrical be your trusted partner for all your electrical needs.

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J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical supply company. At J&P, we source contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of heavy industrial electrical equipment such as bus plugs, bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, fuses, and switchboards. Call us at 877-844-5514 for assistance. 

Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.