Kiely's Rapid Ascent: Fueling America's Utility Modernization

By Jessica Campbell

TINTON FALLS, NJ – December 29, 2025 – The Kiely Family of Companies, a key player in the nation's infrastructure sector, has announced a significant leap forward on the prestigious Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 600 Specialty Contractors list. For the seventh consecutive year, the firm has earned a spot, climbing an impressive 48 places to rank No. 154 for 2025. This ascent also solidifies its position as the 16th largest utility construction firm in the United States, a testament to its expanding influence in a critical industry.

The annual ENR list is a widely respected benchmark in the engineering and construction world, ranking specialty contractors based on their construction revenue. For Kiely, this consistent upward trajectory is more than just a number; it's a clear indicator of sustained growth and strategic execution in a market defined by both immense opportunity and significant challenges.

A Surge in a Demanding Market

Kiely's climb from No. 242 in 2017 to its current position at No. 154 highlights a period of accelerated growth. This progress is particularly notable given the complexities of the modern construction landscape, which is grappling with supply chain volatility, labor shortages, and rising material costs. The company's ability to not only navigate but thrive in this environment points to a robust operational model and strong market positioning.

Industry experts note that success in the current utility construction market requires a blend of scale, specialization, and adaptability. The ENR rankings reflect a company's capacity to secure and execute large-scale, high-value projects. Kiely's jump suggests a significant increase in revenue, likely driven by major contract wins and an expansion of its service footprint across its core sectors: natural gas, petroleum, water resources, electrical, and renewable energy.

"At KIELY, we live by one simple phrase: 'Help others, and success will follow,'" stated Andy Luse, CEO of Kiely Family of Companies, in the company's announcement. "Our continued rise on the ENR lists reflects the dedication of our team and their commitment to the KIELY Code. By empowering team members, partnering with customers, and advancing the communities we serve, we create success for everyone involved, delivering results that move the industry forward."

Powering America's Infrastructure Overhaul

Kiely's success is deeply intertwined with the massive, nationwide push to modernize America's aging infrastructure. The company's diverse portfolio places it at the epicenter of several multi-trillion-dollar trends reshaping the country.

The U.S. electrical grid, for instance, is undergoing its most significant transformation in a century. Driven by the explosive energy demands of data centers and artificial intelligence, coupled with the broader electrification of the economy, U.S. utilities are projected to spend nearly $208 billion on the power grid in 2025 alone. Kiely's expertise in electrical infrastructure and grid modernization positions it as a key partner in this critical build-out.

Simultaneously, the nation's water systems are in dire need of an upgrade, with an estimated $3.4 trillion investment required over the next two decades to ensure safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater management. Federal initiatives like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) are injecting billions into this sector, creating a surge in demand for specialized contractors capable of handling complex projects like lead pipe replacement and water treatment facility upgrades.

Furthermore, the energy transition continues to drive substantial investment. While the natural gas infrastructure market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% through 2030 as a crucial "bridge fuel," the renewable energy sector is also booming. The U.S. is on a path to add tens of gigawatts of new solar and wind capacity annually, requiring extensive new transmission lines and energy storage facilities—all areas within Kiely's operational wheelhouse.

The Strategy Behind the Climb

Market tailwinds alone do not guarantee success. Kiely's strategic approach appears to be a primary driver of its ability to capitalize on these opportunities. The company operates as a design-build provider, a model that offers clients a single, unified point of contact for complex projects from conception to completion. This integrated approach can streamline timelines, improve accountability, and reduce risk, making it an attractive option for utilities and municipalities undertaking large-scale capital projects.

This structure is supported by a conglomerate of specialized companies under the Kiely umbrella, each contributing distinct capabilities in engineering, construction, manufacturing, and industrial services. This allows the firm to act as a one-stop shop while maintaining deep expertise in each vertical.

Diversification has also been a cornerstone of its resilience and growth. By operating across the full spectrum of utility services—from traditional oil and gas pipelines to cutting-edge renewable interconnects—the company is not overly reliant on any single market segment. This allows it to pivot and allocate resources toward the highest-growth areas, such as grid modernization and green energy, while maintaining a strong foundation in essential services like natural gas and water.

Culture as a Competitive Advantage

The leadership at Kiely consistently points to its corporate culture, embodied in the 'KIELY Code,' as the bedrock of its success. The philosophy of prioritizing service to others—team members, clients, and communities—is presented not as a platitude but as a core business strategy. This focus on building strong, trust-based relationships is crucial in an industry where project success often depends on long-term partnerships.

The appointment of Andy Luse as CEO in March 2025 signals a continued focus on strategic growth. Luse's background as a partner at McKinsey & Company, where he specialized in advising industrial and construction firms, brings a wealth of strategic and operational expertise to the leadership team. His stated attraction to Kiely's family culture and its mission to rebuild American infrastructure suggests a commitment to blending performance-driven strategy with the company's foundational values.

By fostering an environment that empowers employees and prioritizes customer success, Kiely has created a powerful engine for organic growth. This cultural framework, combined with a savvy business model and favorable market conditions, has created a formula for its remarkable and sustained ascent on one of the industry's most important scorecards.