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Electricians: Making Life Better for Fish

March 27, 2023

Con J. Franke Electric is a company that is making waves in the commercial electrical industry, specifically in the area of infrastructure preservation and upgrading. This is evident in the $4.1 million commercial electric project that the company is in the final stages of at the Alameda Water Dam and Fish Passage in Alameda, CA. This project, which took over four years to complete, has a positive impact on the area's fish and wildlife.

Managed by Project Manager Steve Frain and led by Foreman Chris Black, the project involved the installation of a new rubber dam for flood mitigation on the east side of the island, adjacent to the existing dam, and enhancing the salmon and steelhead hatchery. Throughout the project a team of over 25 Con J. Franke employees worked on the job, including coordinating and managing five different subcontractors to ensure the project's success.

The project work for the three-floor underground, 1200 square-foot building included two new Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) utility services, two switchgears (SWGR), two motor control centers (MCC), two 10-section control panels, and associated remote control and monitoring via Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) radio. Despite the complexity of the project, the Con J. Franke team was able to do their work while preserving the natural wonders of California, highlighting the company's commitment to sustainable development.

One of the best parts of the project is that it has had a positive impact on the local community, benefiting both the environment and the people who rely on it. The company's ability to take on large, complex projects while still ensuring the preservation of natural resources sets it apart from other commercial electrical contractors in the industry.

As the premier electrical contractor in the region, Con J. Franke has built a reputation for handling commercial projects from conception to design to full production. The company has a team of experienced and knowledgeable professionals who work together to ensure that every project is completed to the highest standard. The Alameda Water Dam and Fish Passage project is just one example of the company's innovative and forward-thinking approach to infrastructure preservation and upgrading.

One of the most impressive aspects of Con J. Franke Electric is its ability to bring engineers' plans to life. This is no small feat, as it requires extensive knowledge, experience, and teamwork to execute a project successfully. The company's team of professionals has the expertise and skills needed to take on complex projects, making them the go-to contractor for infrastructure projects in the area.

It's also worth noting that the Alameda Water Dam and Fish Passage project is a great example of how commercial electrical work can be both important and exciting. While residential electrical work may be more common, commercial projects like this one can have a significant impact on the community and the environment. And for those who work on these projects, it can be both challenging and rewarding to be part of something that makes a difference.


Con J. Franke Electric is doing innovative work to preserve and upgrade infrastructure throughout the State of California. The company's commitment to sustainability, combined with its ability to handle complex projects, sets it apart from other commercial electrical contractors in the industry. The Alameda Water Dam and Fish Passage project is just one example of the company's impressive work, and it's clear that Con J. Franke Electric is at the forefront of the commercial electrical industry.