Trends in Residential Electrical Construction

The residential electrical trade is one of constant change, driven by consumer demand in new technology. One significant trend is the increase in smart home technology and device integration. Recently I found an article stating that three quarters of Canadian households use some sort of Bluetooth or smart device for entertainment purposes (Made in CA, 2025). An example would be a smart TV, which can be connected to the Internet, voice-activated or integrated with other devices like an iPhone. Here is a link to the article:

Smart Home Technology Statistics in Canada | Made in CA

Entertainment is just the tip of the iceberg, however. Smart home technology is being used to control other systems like lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Cooling) and even security. The total market value of smart home technology in Canada is predicted to reach USD $6.5 Billion by 2034 with annual growth of 7.3% (Global Matters Insights, 2025). This growing trend represents an opportunity for electrical contractors that cannot be ignored.

An increase in consumer devices and creature comforts brings an increase in power consumption, which leads into another trend in electrical construction called future-proofing. If, for example, an electrical contractor is bidding a new construction project, the amount of energy consumption that may be required in the future must be taken into account. Suddenly the 100 Amp BC Hydro service that might have been sufficient for a home built in the 1990's won't cut it, and a 200 Amp service is required to accommodate devices like Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicle Chargers, which grew in popularity in part due to Government rebates and incentive programs.

"With technology advancing rapidly and energy demands increasing, yesterday’s electrical setup might not meet tomorrow’s needs. Future-proofing your electrical system isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about preparing for a smarter, more efficient home." (Journeyman HQ, 2025).

The concept of efficiency brings up the next trend to watch; Energy Management Systems, or EMS are part of a growing trend to reduce individual consumption and also alleviate strain on the overall electrical system. One component of this system could be a branch circuit switching device, which diverts power away from one primary electrical load for use in another. For example, an Electric Vehicle charger could be installed on the same circuit as a clothes dryer, but the switching device will not allow both items to draw power at the same time, thus reducing the chance of over-loading that circuit and potentially leading to a safety issue. BC Housing has been promoting such devices since releasing their Homeowner's Guide to Electrical Load Management in 2024 (BC Housing, 2024).

With the industry in a constant state of change and evolving trends, electricians and trades instructors must constantly learn and pivot. It will be interesting to look back ten years from now and see how the industry and the course materials at technical colleges and institutions have changed. The Canadian Electrical Code is updated every three years, and will have to adapt to new discoveries and consumer trends. For now, among the many trends in the residential electrical construction industry, there are three to watch as time goes on: