Who We Are

Area Energy & Electric, Inc. began as a merit shop electrical contractor in 1983, but since its inception has broadened its capabilities due to the market of demands. Those demands have brought about a family of companies either expanded upon into Divisions of Area or companies purchased by Area. The purchased companies continue to operate under their original name and superb reputation. They are Regal Plumbing & Heating, Co. and Ohio Valley Integration Services, Inc.

Principles of Our Work

Performance Oriented: 

Our employees are the foundation of our success. To help them consistently meet—and exceed—customer expectations, we offer a range of valuable tools and support, including:

  • Comprehensive Safety Program

  • Ongoing Training and Development

  • Continued Improvement Incentives

  • Health & Wellness Programs

  • Drug-Free Workplace Practices

  • Employee Empowerment

  • Team-Building Social Events

  • A Positive, Supportive Work Environment

We’ve put the right tools in place to support and motivate our employees, because their success sets us apart from the competition and helps us exceed customer expectations. Through our merit shop philosophy, we reward hard work and recognize individual performance.

  • Customer Driven:

While many electrical contractors share similarities, we recognize that each project—and each customer—is unique. By listening closely to our clients, we’ve developed customized services tailored to meet their specific needs.

  • Safety Culture: 

Safety is our top priority in one of the most high-risk industries. We’re committed to maintaining the highest safety standards to ensure every employee goes home safely to their family each day

Resources

  • Warehouse:

Our 20,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Sidney 10,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Columbus and 12,000 sq. ft. warehouse in Marysville allow us to efficiently manage and deliver materials on time, meeting the fast-paced demands of our industry.

  • Planning:

Our services go far beyond installation. Our experienced design team creates customized plans tailored to each project’s unique needs. Using advanced CAD systems and computerized estimating tools, we provide accurate, timely budget and hard-dollar estimates to keep your project moving forward with confidence.

  • Capabilities:

Some of Area’s capabilities include: Industrial wiring, high-voltage installation, electrical site construction, electrical power distribution, traffic control, fiber optic installation, industrial controls, fire alarm and communication systems, computer network wiring, and design/build services. These services are available for Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential, and beyond. Our capabilities are designed to meet tomorrow’s needs…today! Our “whatever it takes” philosophy to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations is what separates us from the rest.

Our Management Team

History

Area Energy & Electric, Inc. began as an electrical contractor in 1983. Meet the eleven original employees of Area Energy & Electric, Inc. below. Photo taken October 10, 1983 when the business started.

 

Area Energy & Electric, Inc. highly values its employees, recognizing them as the heart of the business. The loyalty and dedication of the employees have played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s success. Many employees have been part of the Area Energy & Electric, Inc. team for years and are planning to retire from the company or have already done so. Out of the original eleven employees, only one person moved on.

Left to Right:
Front Row: Phil Grillot (Deceased), Elmer Schlater (Founder, Vice President, Retired), Roger Mack (Retired), Dean Steinke (Retired), Ron Starrett (Retired).
Back Row: John Marx (Deceased), Earl Berning (Retired), Tim Dietz (Moved on), Mark Copeland (Current Employee), Bob Schmidt (Current Employee), Ken Schlater (Founder, President, Current Employee).

Timeline

1983 | Area Energy & Electric, Inc. Founded

Electrical Contractor Specialists

Area Energy & Electric was established in 1983 in Sidney, Ohio, committed to delivering high-quality electrical contracting services. Built on a foundation of integrity, hard work, and customer satisfaction, the company quickly grew to become a trusted name in the region.

1986 | Area Energy & Electric, Inc.

Lighting Retrofit Specialists

Area Energy & Electric, Inc. added lighting retrofit capabilities to it’s expanding services. Specializing in high performance lighting to optimize energy efficiency and maximize lighting output. Servicing commercial and industrial facilities with significant lighting benefits.

1995 | Area Wireless Superstore

Digital Communications Specialists

A division of Area Energy & Electric, Inc. A leading telecommunications partner with Verizon Wireless, Dish Network, and Time Warner Cable. Providing top choices in wireless services for personal and business needs. Two storefronts located in Sidney, Ohio.

1998 | Ohio Valley Integration Services, Inc. - OVIS

Systems Integration Specialists

Area Energy & Electric acquired OVIS, a technology integration company specializing in networking, security, and automation solutions. This acquisition enhanced our low-voltage and smart systems capabilities, allowing us to offer more advanced and integrated solutions

2008 | Regal Plumbing & Heating Company

Mechanical Contracting Specialists

Area Energy & Electric, Inc. acquired Regal Plumbing & Heating Company. Keeping the same unique services that was already established, and adding new services to be able to better equip the growing plumbing and HVAC needs of the community.

2018 | Brennan Electric LLC

Electrical Contractor 

In October 2018, Area Energy & Electric acquired Cincinnati-based Brennan Electric, expanding our presence in Southwest Ohio. This strategic move strengthened our service capabilities, added a talented workforce, and opened new opportunities in the commercial and industrial sectors across the region.

2018 OVABC Legacy Award Recipient: Ken Schlater

2025 OVABC Legacy Award Recipient: Brian Moloney