In 1952, the Paul R. Gilbert Electric Company began serving the entertainment industry providing power for most of the high profile television broadcasts at that time. One of the first productions powered was the live broadcast of the 1953 Academy Awards. Saunders Electric purchased Paul R. Gilbert Electric in 1988 and Saunders continued the tradition of providing the highest quality power service to the Entertainment Industry. With the acquisition of Paul R. Gilbert Electric Company, Saunders has the distinction of having powered every live broadcast of the Academy Awards since 1953. Over the years, Saunders developed a reputation for an unequaled pursuit of excellence and has become an industry icon.

​

This iconic status requires us to maintain and pursue our passion to be the highest quality power provider on a daily basis. Our “iconic” status began with Russell Saunders’ vision to provide the best power solutions for the live broadcast industry.  Providing reliable portable power for live broadcasts, live events and television productions since 1952, we’ve been on the forefront of many changes in the broadcast industry. Russell applied strict power design standards for the equipment we used and specific installation protocols for equipment installed on these live shows.  As the company grew, we recognized that these power design standards for the installation of equipment ensured redundancy across many levels of power distribution techniques thus resulting in the best reliability track record in the industry; power failure is not an option in our live world.  

​

Changing the way live television was powered, Russell Saunders was awarded an Engineering Emmy® for development of the Mobile Synchronous Power System in 1995 and a second Engineering Emmy® in 2016 for the Mobile UPS System, demonstrating our continuing exploration of new and better technology for powering television and live broadcasts. We are the only power provider to ever receive an Engineering Emmy®.

​

To ensure his legacy continues, Russell has implemented and invested in extensive training programs that ensure Saunders’ crew continues to deliver the power design standards he established.  Our people are committed to the Saunders legacy of quality,high standards of service, and strict maintenance protocols for our equipment. Powering Peace of Mind starts with all our people and is what truly makes us stand out above the rest.

​

Family owned and operated, Saunders is an innovation leader in energy saving systems, and in the past was an alternative energy partner with Sandia National Laboratories with hydrogen fuel cell technology. We believe hydrogen fuel cell technology will be the next step in the greening of television production.