J.T. Ehrman, Business Development Manager, Enerset Power Solutions

Invest: spoke with J.T. Ehrman, business development manager at Enerset Power Solutions, about growing demand for power infrastructure, transformer shortages, and Houston’s role in supporting the energy sector. “The demand is now, not in three years or five years from now,” Ehrman said.

What changes in the power infrastructure market have had the biggest impact on Enerset Power Solutions over the past year?

I came on board in October, so I have not been here quite a year, but even in that time, I have seen significant changes. The growth within the company, the business we are doing, and the industry itself is exponential.

That growth is largely being pushed by data centers. The country’s infrastructure is aging and needs to be updated regardless, but the extra load coming from electrification and data center projects has accelerated that timeline. Every company that touches the value chain, from utilities and manufacturers to logistics providers, is trying to keep up.

Houston has a large concentration of EPC companies, meaning engineering, procurement, and construction firms. Many are headquartered here, while others maintain a significant presence. Everybody is busy trying to find the equipment, components, and manpower needed to support these projects.

How is that growth affecting demand for power infrastructure, and what role is Enerset playing in helping customers keep pace?

There is a shortage of both equipment and qualified people. For our company, we currently have multiple $50 million-plus deals underway, with more in the pipeline.

That growth has required us to hire more people and strengthen our business partnerships. Keeping up with demand requires competent, dedicated personnel, and finding those people can be difficult. We have focused on networking and targeted outreach, and we are even expanding our office to accommodate our growing operations.

What services does Enerset provide, and how are those services helping customers solve power infrastructure challenges?

We handle almost anything electricity-related. One area where we provide significant value is through our partnership with ASTOR Energy, a Turkish manufacturer. We serve as ASTOR’s U.S. partner, handling consultation, procurement, scheduling, logistics, and project support.

What gets people’s attention is lead time. A power transformer can typically take three to five years to obtain. Through ASTOR, we can often secure manufacturing lead times of 11 to 15 months, depending on the size of the transformer.

That has become increasingly important for end users, EPC firms, and procurement companies that have projects they need to complete now. ASTOR has a substantial international presence, and the company has manufactured transformers for several leading U.S. manufacturers. We are helping data center developers, oil and gas companies, independent power producers, and renewable energy projects secure equipment on accelerated timelines.

How would you describe the supply situation today, and what are customers most concerned about?

It is a multifaceted challenge. There are shortages of transmission, distribution, and power generation equipment, as well as long queues for grid connections. The grid itself must be upgraded to handle increasing demand.

With data centers specifically, community engagement has also become important. Many developers are working to educate communities about how modern data centers differ from those built years ago. Concerns related to noise, pollution, and water usage are being addressed through new technologies and operating practices.

At the same time, projects across multiple industries need power infrastructure immediately. Whether it is a data center or a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility, they cannot wait years for equipment. The demand is now, not in three years or five years from now.

Being able to provide quality equipment within shorter timeframes has been a key factor in our success. Equally important is maintaining communication throughout the process and working collaboratively with customers from start to finish.

What makes Houston attractive for new residents and businesses, and what sectors are creating opportunities for Enerset?

Texas attracts people and businesses because of its business-friendly environment, opportunities, and resources. Houston is a global center for oil, gas, and energy, and it offers a large workforce and established infrastructure.

People and companies often evaluate where their dollars will go the furthest, and Texas is attractive from that perspective. Houston also offers a diverse economy, a large population, and access to talent.

For Enerset, Houston is especially valuable because so many customers and partners are located here. While technology makes remote communication easy, there is still value in meeting face to face, building trust, and developing relationships. Houston provides those opportunities across the energy and infrastructure sectors.

Where are you seeing the biggest talent gaps, and how are you working to address them?

Anyone with experience related to electricity is in demand right now. That includes electrical engineers, technicians, EPC professionals, and personnel supporting data center development.

We continue to rely on networking and targeted outreach to find talent. Beyond technical knowledge, we look for people who are eager to learn and expand their skill sets. The industry is evolving quickly, and there is a tremendous amount of opportunity for individuals willing to grow alongside it.

For younger professionals considering career paths, anything related to electrical infrastructure offers strong prospects because demand continues to increase across the sector.

What are your top priorities and outlook for Enerset over the next two to three years?

Our top priority is serving our clients as effectively as possible. Building and maintaining relationships is important because it creates trust and helps both sides work together more efficiently.

We are focused on continuing to grow our workforce and supporting our expanding operations. We are also working to increase awareness of our partnership with ASTOR Energy and the solutions we can provide. Many organizations are not aware that there are alternatives that can significantly reduce equipment lead times.

We have a strong team and great clients, and taking care of both remains a priority as we continue to grow.

What opportunities do you see emerging in the industry today?

The outlook is sunny, with a high chance of overtime. There is tremendous demand throughout the industry, and companies are relying on their teams to help meet it. I am fortunate because I enjoy the company I work for, the people I work with, and the work itself.

We are helping build the infrastructure that will support future growth, and that is exciting. I expect the industry to remain active for at least the next three to five years. There is a lot of opportunity in this industry, at this company, and in Houston. I think that is one of the main reasons people come here.