The sentiment at International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2026 was one of cautious optimism. Across panels and floor conversations, the theme was consistent: speed to market and margin protection remain the top priorities.
Builders are eager for growth but are navigating tighter affordability constraints, infrastructure realities, and — increasingly — complex energy specifications. Behind the splashy design and high-end finishes, the sheer volume of manufacturers of mechanical systems like HVAC and water heating hinted at a quieter truth:Energy and electric load management is rapidly becoming a complexity builders need to consider — and an opportunity they can seize.
Surging Electric Demand is Escalating Costs
As more home systems move to electric — from heat pumps to EV chargers — total demand is skyrocketing, shifting the focus to the electrical panel. The downstream impacts on load planning are most visible in backup power: as total load increases, it often pushes generators into larger, liquid-cooled classes above 40kW that add significant cost and complexity.
As grid strain becomes a permanent fixture of the conversation, a whole-home energy approach — using propane to power all key, high-demand systems and balance the load — is emerging as the most pragmatic response.
The Propane Advantage: Right-Sizing for Margin
This year, the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) showed builders exactly how to make that calculation. A new interactive generator sizing tool allows them to toggle key systems and see how switching to propane appliances — while other electrical components remain — reduces electrical demand to allow for a smaller, more cost-effective standby generator.
“If you fully electrify a house, you could be looking at close to a 50kW generator,” said Bridget Kidd, COO of PERC. “If you can bring that down to 15 or 20kW with propane, that’s a massive reduction in upfront costs — potentially saving thousands of dollars while maintaining reliable whole-home backup and improving comfort and efficiency.”
The inflection point matters. Once demand crosses the 40kW threshold, upfront equipment costs rise sharply. By using propane for high-demand thermal loads like water heating, space heating, and cooking, builders can keep homes in the more affordable, air-cooled generator class.
Reducing Friction, Protecting Profits
For builders, the takeaway is straightforward: managing total electric load earlier in the design process streamlines decisions and protects the bottom line. Rather than absorbing higher equipment costs, they can structure homes with a balanced energy load and right-size systems from the start.
“Energy is central to design and construction, especially now,” Kidd added. “Choosing propane and right-sizing generators allows builders and their customers greater flexibility, reliability, and control.”
When electric rates trend upward and infrastructure lags, integrating propane isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a significant competitive advantage that protects your bottom line.
An Added Benefit for Providing Insights
Through the Propane Construction Research Program, builders and remodelers can earn compensation by sharing data from their propane appliance installations. Visit Propane.com to learn more about the advantages of propane and apply.
