From Meters to Megawatts: TESCO’s Role in Driving the Energy Transition

TESCO Metering has long been a trusted name in the metering industry. In 2024, the company celebrated its 100^th year and earned NEMA's Illuminations Award for its ongoing contributions to NEMA standards and pioneering innovation. While TESCO's legacy of manufacturing durable, reliable metering products remains central to its identity, the company is positioning itself at the heart of the energy transition, contributing not just through its innovative products but also its advocacy and leadership.

At the Heart of Smart Grid Development

From EV charging to data centers, the energy landscape is evolving, and greater demand for energy-and energy management-requires advanced metering solutions. TESCO's commitment to delivering accurate, reliable meters is central to the successful implementation of smart grids. "To meet the growing demand, you need a smart grid, and to have a smart grid, you need a smart meter," said Owner and President Tom Lawton.

TESCO is investing heavily in ensuring the accuracy and reliability of its equipment, supported by a metrology lab. "Continuous improvement is something we take very seriously," Lawton added. "You learn as products get into the field, and you keep innovating to meet evolving needs."

Building on this expertise in energy measurement, TESCO has turned its attention to new challenges like electric vehicle EV charging-a critical component of modernizing energy systems.

Expanding Into the EV Charging Market

One way TESCO is shaping the future of the electroindustry is through technological innovation. The company has leveraged its deep expertise in energy measurement to drive meaningful advancements and meet the evolving needs of the EV charging market.

"We assumed EV chargers would be a straightforward extension of utility management, but it's been more complex," Lawton explained. "Our team has worked on education, helping weights and measures standards organizations understand energy measurement, and designing metering equipment to meet the rapid pace of technological change."

TESCO is already on its fourth generation of EV charging equipment with chargers that support everything from residential needs to megawatt applications for tractors and ships. This forward-thinking approach reflects a broader commitment to addressing emerging energy challenges.

Advocacy and Industry Leadership

TESCO's focus on innovation is matched by its dedication to advocacy. With nearly four decades in the industry, Lawton brings extensive experience and leadership to his role as Chairman of NEMA's Committee for Small Businesses Committee for Small Businesses. "Small businesses have unique needs, and it takes time to participate and make use of all NEMA offers," Lawton said. "The CSB has been a great pathway to expand the number and diversity of companies involved with NEMA, fostering a spirit of collaboration across the utilities sector."

That commitment to advocacy was further highlighted in July when TESCO hosted a listening session for the Ways and Means Committee's Working Families Tax Team at its historic manufacturing facility in Bristol, Pennsylvania. The session brought together manufacturers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss critical tax code issues.

"We were honored to be selected for this," Lawton shared. "There was so much commonality in opinions, particularly around the importance of preserving business-friendly provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These are essential for encouraging innovation and investment in advanced manufacturing."

Staying Close to its Customers

TESCO takes pride in being a U.S. manufacturer, with facilities not only in Pennsylvania, but also in Texas, and Ohio. This commitment to domestic production supports local economies, reduces supply chain delays, and allows the company to respond quickly to customer needs.

"We believe in staying close to our customers and vendors," Lawton explained. "It's not just about logistics; it's about being able to work together to identify solutions quickly and keep pace with change."

Looking ahead, TESCO aims to expand its impact by remaining deeply engaged with its customers-continuing to attend upwards of 70 conferences per year to hear their challenges firsthand and provide tailored solutions. At the same time, the company is committed to supporting other SMMs through its leadership in NEMA's CSB, fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of smaller players in the industry.

Whether it's enabling the deployment of high-end meters for data centers or developing cutting-edge EV charging equipment, TESCO is poised to lead the way in creating a more efficient, reliable, and resilient energy ecosystem.

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