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Chinook Industry Spotlight: Utility Services Q3 2025

  • Aging Utility Infrastructure Drives Grid Modernization – Outdated utility infrastructure across the U.S. is driving increased investment into grid modernization to maintain existing capacity requirements.
  • Rapidly Increasing Power Demand Positions Utility Services for Strong Growth – Driven by data centers, manufacturing reshoring, weather considerations, and electrification, U.S. power demand is increasing rapidly which will drive future grid optimization and expansion projects throughout the country.
  • Data Centers Drive Power Demand and Grid Optimization – Continued data center and AI investment are pushing grid operators and utilities to continually invest in the grid to support the growing power demand from this industry.
  • Strong National and Local Utility Capex Tailwinds – National and local utilities are projecting strong capital expenditure growth in the future, positioning utility contractors well to capitalize on new grid modernization and expansion projects.
  • Labor Shortages Pressure Utility Contractors – Labor shortages are one of the largest headwinds to future grid modernization and expansion projects, furthering the importance of maintaining a strong labor base and training program to position contractors for future growth.

About Chinook Capital Advisors:

Chinook Capital Advisors, based in Kirkland, WA, is a leading M&A advisory firm serving the needs of Pacific Northwest business owners. We help businesses prepare for and execute business ownership transition events.

Our expertise includes sell-side advisory/seller representation services, recapitalizations, advisory board/transaction preparation services, and other services including business valuation and debt advisory. Chinook serves many of the key industries that drive the Pacific Northwest economy, including manufacturing, distribution, business services, technology, healthcare products & services, and consumer products & services.

Chinook Capital Advisors is a member of the Alliance of International Corporate Advisors. AICA is a global network of middle market M&A advisory firms that provide clients with access to buyers, investors, and acquisition targets around the world.

We welcome inquiries from business owners wanting to discuss business valuation, M&A market updates, or how to build value towards a future exit or recapitalization.