By Michael Tribble
In the not-so-distant past, the energy sector operated quite differently than it does today. Utilities managed nearly every aspect of their operations in-house—from direct manufacturer purchases to warehousing and logistics. In that environment, distributors played a limited, transactional role. But today’s challenges demand something far greater.
From Distributor to Strategic Partner
Deregulation changed everything. As competition entered the generation market, utilities faced unprecedented pressure to reduce operations and maintenance costs while improving reliability. Their solution? Strategic outsourcing.
What began as simple material purchases from distributors evolved into full partnerships. Utilities gradually entrusted distributors with more critical functions—from inventory management to kitting services and scheduled deliveries. As these relationships proved successful for investor-owned utilities, cooperatives and municipalities soon followed, drawn to the efficiency, expertise, and buying power these partners offered.
These shifts only accelerated with the rise of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), renewable integration, and grid-hardening initiatives. As utilities modernized, they needed distribution partners who could offer scalable logistics, technical insight, emergency support, and supply chain agility in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Today, utilities of all sizes rely on distributors not just to manage materials but also to help solve some of the industry's biggest challenges.
Distributors Who Led the Evolution
Distributors that thrived were willing to invest, adapt, and grow alongside their customers, and few companies better represent this than Irby. Starting as a regional distributor in Mississippi in 1926, Irby recognized the changing landscape and the opportunity to support utilities with broader capabilities. Irby listened intently to utilities’ challenges and grew toward their needs, expanding from a local, traditional material supplier to a nationwide, strategic solutions provider.
Irby's successful evolution was built on key principles that still drive our success today:
- Flexibility: Irby tailors its support to each utility's unique needs, from rapid scaling for community growth to swift emergency response.
- Innovative thinking: The team continuously evaluates offerings to stay ahead of industry changes—investing in grid modernization, renewable energy solutions, and emerging technologies.
- Service-oriented team: Irby's greatest differentiator is its people, who go above and beyond to understand and solve utilities’ unique challenges.
- Sustainable growth: Through its own rapid success and backed by Sonepar, the world's largest, privately-owned electrical distributor, Irby has the financial resources to scale alongside partners regardless of project scope.
"In every shift our industry has experienced—from wooden cross arms to fiberglass, manual tools to battery-powered equipment, physical meter reading to AMI systems—and throughout the unprecedented demand of recent years, Irby has steadfastly evolved alongside our utility partners.”
- Don Corley, VP of Purchasing and Supply Chain
With these core principles, Irby has grown alongside utility needs for nearly 100 years. Today, the company serves all 50 states with capabilities spanning electric, gas, and communications utilities, with transmission, distribution, substation, and generation project support.
Your Partner for Every Chapter
The distributor-utility relationship has evolved from humble beginnings in material supply to fully integrated partnerships, benefitting utility and distributor alike. Irby serves as this dedicated supply chain partner to utilities across the nation, handling warehousing, procurement, logistics, project services, and much more. Discover how Irby can support your utility's success in every challenge at irby.com.
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About the Author:
Michael Tribble brings over 25+ years of experience in the electric utility industry and supports Irby’s commercial teams as VP of Strategic Relations. Leveraging his unique perspective and understanding of supply chain, manufacturing, and market trends, Michael facilitates growth and advances customer and vendor relationships.