Spotlight On: William Bowie, President & CEO, Empower Construction

December 2025 — The infrastructure industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the escalating demands of artificial intelligence and data centers. As the need for massive data centers grows, utility construction companies are facing a critical crossroads, necessitating a reevaluation of their long-term strategies. “It has completely reshaped our industry as far as what the next three- to five-year strategic plan and goals are,” William Bowie, president and CEO of Empower Construction, told Invest:.

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What changes over the past year have most influenced and shaped the direction of power construction work?

Over the past year, the infrastructure industry has undergone a significant transformation, primarily driven by the escalating demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers. The power requirements of data centers have reshaped our industry’s strategic plans and goals for the next three to five years. As we focus on system reliability and improvement, we need to incorporate the demands of the data centers being built. This adjustment is crucial for making progress in AI integration within the industry.

How is Empower preparing to support utility clients with their aging infrastructure, electrification, and resilience efforts?

We are continuously engaged in maintaining, upgrading, and improving utility facilities nationwide to meet evolving demands. For instance, the push for electric vehicles (EVs) has required us to develop systems capable of handling increased demand loads. This effort is ongoing. Additionally,

With the added data demand from AI, we must explore alternative resources to meet these power demands. This is the primary focus of our efforts across the country.

How is that shaping the sector’s investment plans?

Utility customers, such as Exelon and PECO, are investing in their grids to ensure readiness for future demands. Their primary focus is on system reliability for both homeowners and businesses. Additionally, they are investing in the community to ensure customers understand the importance of maintaining electricity reliability. This investment may require changes to existing systems, potentially causing some disruption, but it is essential for long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. Customer electric service is always our customers’ top priority.

Where are you seeing the strongest growth in project activity?

We are witnessing growth across all areas due to increasing demand. Beyond AI, the construction of taller buildings and more homes is driving higher power demand. The widespread use of virtual reality and electronic devices further contributes to this demand. We must be intentional in our planning for the next five, 10, 15, or 20 years to stay ahead of the curve. This comprehensive approach is our primary focus.

How do you approach project management, considering that you work in a wide geography and with diverse project scopes?

We emphasize having consistent processes and procedures in place to create a uniform culture across different locations. Whether it’s project management in Pennsylvania, Texas, or California, our core values and processes ensure consistent service quality. We aim to provide exceptional service, akin to the “Chick-fil-A service,” going above and beyond for our customers. Our rigorous recruitment process for project management positions ensures that candidates can handle the demands of large-scale projects.

How are you navigating the current labor market?

The shortage of skilled labor is a significant challenge. To address this, we engage with the community, including colleges, high schools, and middle schools, to raise awareness about career opportunities in our industry. We aim to inspire young individuals to consider careers as journeymen, operators, and other roles. Additionally, we are creating Career and Technical Education programs in high schools and post-secondary institutions to train individuals for various projects, such as shipbuilding and pipeline construction.

What is your vision for Empower Construction for the next five to 10 years?

As one of the largest minority-owned utility construction companies in the Northeast, our goal is to become a national company and a household name. We aim to service all infrastructure needs across the country, not just by building power lines but by building communities. We want to increase job opportunities and awareness of various trades. Our name, Empower Construction, reflects our commitment to empowering both utilities and people. Our vision is to shape the industry and the country, preparing for future advancements like flying cars and other innovations. Investing in people is central to achieving this goal.

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