In 1938, LeRoy Baker took a huge leap by acquiring Dietrich Power, a small local power company, for a low sum of $4,000. He had no idea at the time that this seemingly insignificant choice would eventually pave the way for the storied Baker heritage, which is well-known for its groundbreaking work in electrical construction and its wide range of creative renewable energy solutions.

These days, Baker Electric is a well-known leader in the industry, offering electrical and solar contracting services along with sustainable energy storage options. Baker Electric is a company with a longstanding reputation for excellence that combines innovation, ethics, and quality. For a wide range of customers, including corporations, nonprofit organizations, educational and military institutions, utilities, and non-profits, the company provides a full spectrum of commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage solutions. Furthermore, Baker Electric offers general contractors working in the solar and electric power industries design-build and design-assist services.

The main office of Baker Electric is located in Escondido, California.

Scott Williams, the Executive Vice President of Baker Electric, was contacted by The Business Review to get his perspective. What he had to say in reply was as follows:

"Baker's commitment to investing in its workforce, from field electricians to administrative support teams, is responsible for our inventive culture. We operate on the philosophy, "We deliver energy through people." Moving people-centeredness ahead, Baker was recently offered an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to its staff, revolutionizing the industry by giving each staff member direct ownership in the company.

By consistently innovating and expanding its portfolio to encompass industries including healthcare, education, hospitality/gaming, multifamily housing, renewable energy, public works, and beyond, Baker Electric was able to effectively manage more than 85 years of market changes.

Early on, we understood that the secret to success in the electrical construction sector was diversification. In our eight decades of operation, we have seen a number of competitors go out of business.

In order to provide a sports complex in Inglewood, California, with a fully integrated rooftop and carport solar system that includes a sizable battery storage system, Baker is presently engaged in an ambitious project. By June 2024, it plans to complete a three megawatt PV and twelve megawatt BESS installation. This project will benefit from its quick completion.

Facilitating change

A small-scale 25 megawatt solar project developer requested Baker to submit a bid and design it. The developer is in the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) sector. The client has the resources and money required to complete the project, but it lacks the specialist knowledge. Baker leveraged on its experience in subcontracting and electrical contracting services to build and implement a plan that would fulfill the client's objectives. Baker's debut into the small-scale EPC market was accomplished with remarkable speed—the solar plant project was finished in just nine months. 

Additionally, in response to the lack of developers and contractors for several small-scale EPCs as well as solar energy farms and plants with capacities ranging from 10 to 75 megawatts, Baker has taken decisive action. With full-service turnkey design services, including site survey, fencing and grading, road, transmission lines, substation installations, and electrical module and wire installation, it is completely prepared to satisfy their unique needs. This strategic approach positions Baker as a proactive solution supplier in the small-scale EPC and solar energy industry sectors. In the small-scale EPC and solar energy market sectors, Baker is now positioned as a proactive and forward-thinking solution provider thanks to this calculated approach.

Scott Williams, Executive Vice President  

In his role as Executive Vice President, Scott oversees the development and execution of the organization's strict safety procedures in addition to overseeing all commercial and utility-scale solar business operations. His duties cover the expansion and profitability of the renewable energy company, from project bids and sales to project planning, execution, and implementation. Baker has established himself as a pioneer in the production and efficiency of renewable energy thanks to his management of developing markets such as energy storage, microgrids, compatible energy measures, and energy conservation measures for the building industry.

"Baker's commitment to investing in its workforce, from field electricians to administrative support teams, is responsible for our inventive culture. The guiding principle of our business is 'We deliver energy through people.' Moving people-centeredness ahead, Baker was recently offered an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to its staff, revolutionizing the industry by giving each staff member direct ownership in the company."