When Scott Hays founded Colonial Electric, he wasn’t just launching another electrical company — he was redefining how homeowners experience residential service. 

After years in the trade, he had seen the frustration many families felt when contractors rushed through jobs or failed to explain what was happening behind their walls. Scott envisioned a different approach: one built on honesty, communication, and respect. Today, that vision is the foundation of Colonial Electric’s reputation across the South Shore.

“I’m someone who enjoys working with my hands, solving problems, and helping people feel safe and confident in their homes,” he says. ”Over the years, I’ve learned that the part of my work I value most is the connection — earning a homeowner’s trust, explaining things clearly, and leaving their home better than I found it. That’s really what drives me every day.”

Scott’s inspiration for starting the business was also rooted in both his professional standards and his personal life. As a husband and father of two young boys, he wanted to build a company that reflected the values he teaches at home — integrity, reliability, and doing the right thing even when no one is watching. 

“I wanted to create a business my sons could one day be proud of,” he shares. That family-centered philosophy is evident in the care he brings to every home.

Colonial Electric specializes in residential electrical work, offering services that range from lighting upgrades and panel improvements to whole-home electrical updates, EV charging solutions, and generator installations. 

What sets the business apart is Scott’s commitment to clear communication and transparency. He takes the time to explain options in plain language and provides tiered proposals for larger projects so homeowners can choose solutions that match their goals and budget. 

“I take the time to walk homeowners through their options in a simple, organized way, so they feel informed rather than overwhelmed,” Scott says. 

Every job is backed by a lifetime craftsmanship guarantee — a reflection of Scott’s belief that electrical work done right should last.

Though Scott serves the entire South Shore, Cohasset holds a special place in his work week. He’s built strong relationships with families throughout town and often prioritizes vulnerable residents, especially older homeowners, during storms or emergencies. 

Community connection is a crucial component in how he chooses to run his business. He offers an annual electrical safety program for returning customers, giving families an opportunity to catch potential hazards before they become emergencies.

As Colonial Electric grows, Scott is focused on expanding thoughtfully without losing the personal touch that has earned him the trust of so many local homeowners. His upcoming plans include enhancing generator offerings and meeting the rising demand for EV charger installations — both areas where homeowners increasingly look for reliable guidance.

Scott offers a few suggestions for homeowners. 

“My biggest piece of advice is simple: don’t wait for something to break before giving your electrical system attention,” he says. “Electricity is one of those things that stays out of sight, out of mind — until suddenly it isn’t. A quick inspection each year can prevent everything from overloaded circuits to hidden fire hazards.”

Additionally, small upgrades make a big difference. Better lighting, safer panels, and modernized wiring can increase comfort and safety in ways most homeowners don’t realize until after the work is done,” he says.

He encourages homeowners to ask questions and expect clear explanations. “A good electrician should explain things in plain language and help you understand your options. You don’t need to know the technical details — you just need someone willing to guide you through the choices so you feel confident and protected.”

Colonial Electric’s impact shows up in the reviews by its customers. One Cohasset resident recently shared, “Colonial Electric was professional, honest, and incredibly thorough. Scott explained everything in a way I could understand and gave us options instead of pushing us in one direction. Our home feels safer, and we’ll definitely be calling him again.”

For Scott, that kind of feedback is the cornerstone of his work. “At the heart of it,” he says, “I show up, I communicate, and I stand behind my work as if it were for my own home.”