Commercial electrical work in the Columbia River Gorge spans a wide range of project types — retail storefronts, restaurants, wineries, hospitality properties, light industrial facilities, agricultural operations, and office buildings. The mix of businesses in Hood River and The Dalles is distinct: Hood River has a concentration of hospitality, tourism, and food and beverage businesses; The Dalles has more manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and agriculture. Gorge Electric works across both markets.
We are licensed and insured for commercial work in Oregon. We coordinate directly with building departments, general contractors, and property managers to keep commercial projects on schedule.
Commercial Electrical Services
Tenant Improvements
When a business takes over a new space, the electrical system often needs modifications — new panel breakers, lighting changes, additional outlets, dedicated circuits for equipment, or a service upgrade. We handle tenant improvement electrical throughout Hood River and The Dalles, coordinating with general contractors and working within occupied buildings when needed.
Service Upgrades
Many commercial buildings along the Gorge corridor were wired for loads that don't match what modern businesses require. A manufacturing operation, restaurant, or large retail space may need a 400-amp or 800-amp service where 200 amps existed before. We design and install commercial service upgrades, working with Pacific Power and the local utility for cutover coordination.
New Construction
Ground-up commercial construction requires an electrical contractor who can handle design-assist work, coordinate rough-in with the general contractor's schedule, and deliver a clean, inspected finish. We do new commercial construction throughout Hood River County and Wasco County — from small retail builds to light industrial facilities.
Agricultural Electrical
Wasco County's agricultural economy creates consistent demand for electrical work that many residential-focused contractors don't handle well: pump station electrical, grain storage wiring, cold storage facilities, irrigation control systems, and barn and outbuilding electrical. We work on agricultural properties throughout the eastern Gorge and into Wasco County's farming communities.
Lighting and Controls
Commercial lighting retrofits, parking lot and exterior lighting, emergency and exit lighting systems, occupancy sensor controls, and dimming systems. LED retrofits in commercial and warehouse facilities typically pay back in under three years on energy savings alone.
Commercial Panel and Service Work
Panel replacements, service upgrades, subpanel installations, load center additions, and transfer switches for backup power. We size commercial electrical systems correctly — not just to code minimum, but to what the business actually needs. A commercial panel upgrade that leaves headroom for future loads is worth the modest additional cost.
Working with Gorge Electric on Commercial Projects
We provide written bids, maintain schedules, and communicate proactively — the basics that commercial clients depend on but don't always get from smaller contractors. We're available to discuss scope, phasing, and budget before work begins, and we document what was installed so building owners have accurate records.
For electrical emergencies at commercial properties, see our 24-hour emergency electrician page.