From local lights to national energy grids, Skyline Electric sparks lasting impact
For nearly 70 years, Skyline Electric Company has provided specialized electrical design construction support and maintenance services to clients across Utah. Today, the company is growing its national presence, working with major players in the construction, energy, and infrastructure industries.
Flexibility and quality craftsmanship have ensured Skyline Electric’s long-term success. As company President, Rhett Butler, begins: “The industry has changed considerably since we first started out. The company was founded in 1959, and construction was completely different then. We’ve had to evolve a lot over the last 66 years; from diversifying our project portfolio to leveling up our customer support, it’s all about staying one step ahead.
“We’ve been blessed with long-term success, and most of it comes down to adaptability. We’ve been early adopters of new technology from the beginning, implementing new tools that make our services more effective and efficient, which has helped set us apart from the competition.
“The company is also supported by an amazing team of employees. Since its inception Skyline Electric has been part of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. We’ve stayed true to our roots, protecting our people and ensuring they always have a voice.
“The union allows us to retain top talent and focus on our craft. Our goal is always to provide the highest quality service – it’s part of our culture. Coming from a long line of true craftsmen, our people take pride in what they do. We may approach things a little bit differently, but for us it’s been a good balance. A little bit of history and tradition, mixed with a modern approach.”
Enhancing efficiency
The company’s current strategy involves strategic streamlining through investment in new tools and equipment. Advancing technology allows the team behind Skyline Electric to boost efficiency without cutting corners. As Rhett discusses: “This is just the latest step we’ve made to be at the forefront of electrical innovation.
“Electrical construction is an ever-changing industry. It’s our job to pick up any labor-saving technology and bring it into our processes as quickly as possible. Not only does this help us provide a better service, but it ensures we’re always working at the cutting edge.”
In partnership with local governments, Skyline Electric manages the electrical needs for water treatment and wastewater treatment facilities. Rhett and his team recognize the importance of their day-to-day work, as it keeps people across Utah safe and healthy in their homes.
“Two things that define the modern age are clean water and electricity. Without it, people can’t work or maintain proper hygiene – it’s a basic service that no-one can really live without in our day and age.
“Our services support the lives of nearly three million people throughout the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. It takes a lot of work to keep everything running smoothly. After 66 years, we’re fully immersed in the culture and infrastructure of the city,” Rhett affirms.
Robust relationships
As Rhett details: “Our transportation division does a lot of work on streetlights, traffic signals, and signage for the Utah Department of Transportation, as well as any general contractors working on roadway infrastructure projects across the region.
“Depending on the project, we either take the lead or work on a specific assignment. Our involvement varies, depending on the contractor’s expertise, and how much of the task is electrical in nature. We’ve also worked on projects that are more specific to the region, such as the copper mines at Kennecott Utah Copper.
“The mines are owned by a British company, Rio Tinto, and we have agreements with them to provide electrical support at their Utah location. It’s one of the more specialized branches of the business, as they’ve got quite an intricate process set up.
“The site is around 20 miles long, with ore-crushing machinery set up along the length of the mine. They have massive earth moving machinery, a concentrator process to separate the materials, and one of North America’s largest copper smelters. It’s definitely a niche market, but we’ve built a really strong working partnership with them.
“Our team is always willing to learn and take on new challenges. We now have enough internal understanding of their mining operation, and its electrical requirements, to provide informed support whenever it is required.”
Positive impact
In addition to its work for the Utah mining industry, Skyline has also worked with national energy companies. Assisting in the implementation of new energy production facilities and local utilities infrastructure, Rhett and his team have extended their reach beyond Utah and into Nevada. Working alongside Nevada Energy, their work supports a growing energy network across the western US. 
“Our work with Rocky Mountain Power has really put us at the forefront of the energy revolution. Harnessing renewable energy through solar panels and wind farms has been a major part of the national sustainability mission for some time.
“We’ve been a part of numerous renewable energy projects, as well as a handful of nuclear energy sites. We’re currently assisting in the early planning stages of a new nuclear facility in Kemmerer, Wyoming. It’s currently in its infancy, but the project has a lot of potential.
“Nuclear energy can be divisive politically, but with the right approach it offers another viable alternative to fossil fuels. With a greater focus on minimizing environmental impact, it could be a real lifeline in the coming years, especially as we rely more heavily on technology and AI, which are reliant on electrical power to feed data centers.
“We deliver vital services – energy and water – and so it’s important that we consider the bigger picture of the moves we make. Everything we do influences people’s lives, and it can be viewed positively or negatively on the political spectrum. We want to support communities across the US, and with data centers pushing our energy supply to the limit, it’s vital we consider other options.
“This is the information and technology age. It’s important we embrace that, but not at the cost of people’s comfort and quality of life. Finding new ways to generate energy allows us to support the technological future without harming local communities,” Rhett describes.
Growth trajectory
As Skyline Electric Company continues to take on new challenges, Rhett and his team are working hard to ensure the company’s future. With plans for major expansion on the horizon, the company will soon find a new home, at an all-new state-of-the-art facility in West Valley City, Utah.
The new headquarters will bring all branches of the business together, from finance to operations. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for the business, one characterized by innovation, curiosity, and change. As Rhett discusses: “Over the last few years, we’ve really been able to expand our range of services. We’ve got greater capabilities, and our reach is growing alongside that. In the next five years, with the resumé we’ve built and the opportunities we have, we’ve got the potential to grow.
“There’s no doubt we’ll also see technology continuing to evolve in the coming years, and with that there will be new opportunities and markets to explore. To prepare for this growth, we have plans to expand our footprint by opening our new headquarters. The early construction and planning stages are already underway, and I’m excited to see what this new location will signify for the business,” he concludes.