With the start of the New Year, Albany Electric launched a new plumbing service, Albany Plumbing.  The firm has hired a Master Plumber with more than 17 years of experience in the plumbing business.

"We look forward to continued growth in our electrical service business and a successful launch of Albany Plumbing.  We believe if we offer the same quality work and customer service that we have provided over the years in our electrical business, we will hopefully see that success in the plumbing business," said Courtney Greenway, marketing manager for Albany Electric.

Established in 1979, Albany Electric provides residential and commercial electrical service, which includes computer cabling, security systems, closed circuit TV systems and regular electrical service of all kinds.  Albany Electric has over 100 employees in the Albany area.

Leveraging a Customer Service Focus

Professionalism is what sets Albany Electric apart from its competitors, according to Greenway.  The firm sets high expectations for all of its technicians.

"We expect all customer interactions will be professional.  For example, we'll leave your house as clean or even cleaner than we found it; we'll respect your property," she continued.

With an Internet-based service dispatch system, the firm can respond to customer calls for service more efficiently.  For customers that means a faster response time, especially for emergency calls.

"We installed the dispatch system about five years ago.  By launching Albany Plumbing we can leverage that investment," Greenway explained.

While Albany Electric does major new construction for its commercial customers in addition to residential and commercial service, Albany Plumbing will be focused on residential and commercial service work.  

Surviving in a Slow Economy

In 2011, Albany Electric maintained a steady volume of business despite a slow economy and high unemployment.

"I wouldn't say that we haven't been affected, but I would say that we have been more fortunate than others in this business," Greenway said.  "We are very thankful for our loyal customers that have kept our business steady in this economic downturn."

The firm continues to look for ways to improve its service and grow.  In 2012, Albany Electric is considering expanding its marketing presence with additional advertising spend.  The firm will also offer training classes through the year for all employees.  The training focuses on the technical side of electrical and plumbing service and on customer service.

"We also welcome customer comments, good or bad.  It helps us to improve and provide a better service to our customers," Greenway said.

Part of a Large Corporate Family

Albany Electric is part of MetroPower, a fully licensed, bonded and insured electrical construction company with divisions located throughout the United States.  MetroPower is a subsidiary of PPC Partners Inc., an employee-owned company.

"It's a complicated structure.  We just want people to know we are Albany Electric, a local company that is part of their community," Greenway explained.

More information about Albany Electric and Albany Plumbing is available online at www.albanyelectric.biz and www.albanyplumbing.biz