Automated Environments
Company Overview
K I N D L Y review this complete section prior to contacting us for assistance, thank you!
Craft an environment using light, style, and effortless regulation.
- We specialize in the design, setup, and configuration of lighting control systems that enhance comfort and safety for your home or business.
- The innovative LUTRON Radio RA2 system allows for convenient and affordable control of lighting, window treatments, heating, and cooling via a wall station, remote, or smartphone! Contact us for a demonstration in your own home.
- By incorporating a Clare Control system, we can integrate lighting and climate control with audio, video, security, cameras, and locks into a single platform.
- Enjoy motorized window treatments that can be controlled from your smartphone, by a timer, or with a simple button press. Honeycomb and roller shades are battery-operated and completely wireless, making them perfect for hard-to-reach areas or accessible living.
We regret to inform you that we do not perform electrical work...
I started Automation Electric with the goal of focusing on automation projects within the industry. I designed and programmed systems for machines to automate particular processes and built gadgets for industrial use. Throughout this time, I worked on diverse electrical systems, creating lighting designs for residential and commercial spaces, network wiring for data and voice, and wiring for sound systems and modern flat-screen TVs.
I am now trained to specify, program, and install home automation systems including Lutron's Radio RA2 and Homeworks QS, motorized shades, and Vantage Systems. Our offerings include all NEST products, sound systems, and home theaters.
I trained as an electrician in Switzerland through a four-year apprenticeship program and passed the state licensing exam as an electrical contractor in California in 1991.
I began as RS Electric in 1991.
I partnered with Eli Sadi to form E & R Electric in 1995.
I served as the campus electrician at Mills College in Oakland, CA.
Currently, I am focused on home automation, fully certified as a Lutron Residential System Provider, including the L3 design level. I specialize in upgrading current lighting control systems to the newest standards and integrating smartphone control, motorized shades, and temperature regulation.
Business Services
- Electric inspection
- Electric installation or replacement
- Electric repair
- Wire repair
- Home theater calibration
- Home theater installation
- Light fixture installation
- Light fixture repair
- Outdoor lighting installation
Business Location & Hours
Mon: | Open 24 hours |
Tue: | Open 24 hours |
Wed: | Open 24 hours |
Thu: | Open 24 hours |
Fri: | Open 24 hours |
Sat: | Open 24 hours |
Sun: | Open 24 hours |
Recommended Customer Reviews

I called Rene about two years ago for a house remodel--we were down to the studs in the planning phase. He's stuck with us the entire time, consulting, problem solving, and finishing the projects as described, ontime, and with a level of quality I haven't seen--both in communications, as well as the install and follow-through. We're about 95% finished with our shades and light switches, and with each and every problem that bubbles up, Rene and team have solutions that fit within our budget, detailed eye, and master plan. I can't praise him enough for his energy, humor, and knowledge of the given space.

We hired Rene on referral by our contractors Mueller Nichols. He and his team installed our IT, sonos sound and luma security systems in our home. The all were knowledgeable, professional and great to work with. They made sure our wireless system had a strong signal throughout the house, around our property and in our guest house. The results have been outstanding. They've were very accessible as we settled into our 'new environment'. We wouldn't hesitate recommending him and his company.

We gutted our house in El Cerrito and added a Lutron system to control all the lights. I believe the referral for Rene came through Laner Lights in Richmond. Rene installed our system, and did some tricky installation work. Our general contractor, who as a rule dislikes everyone else's work, spoke warmly about the attention Rene brought to every aspect of the project - which is extremely high praise. We are planning to add Lutron shades, and also modify some additional lighting, and I can't imagine working with anyone other than Rene.

Rene has a great business and he runs it with his extensive knowledge of lighting and controls. If you need a complicated job done right, or a simple job done well, Automation Electric is the company for you.

Rene installed a projector and a webcam for our conference room. We had 20 people coming on Friday and he got everything done on time. He was very flexible but his installation was very professional.

René is awesome. He knows his stuff, and he also knows who else you need to solve complicated problems (like programming automated lights, fixing built-in stereos, etc.) He is extraordinarily detailed-oriented, prompt, efficient, and follows up until the problem is solved.
My only worry in writing this review is that he will get too much business, and I'll have a harder time scheduling him.

Clients of Automation Electric see their homes in a whole new way... literally, with customized lighting solutions. But if you want to see Rene's (the owner's) eyes light up like a kid in a toy store, ask him about integrating your lighting with your home entertainment center and your motorized window shades and your security system, all under a single, programmable control panel or remote. That's when you'll see that Rene's work is also his play. That's a beautiful thing in a tradesman!

I highly recommend Automation Electric! René Schaub of Automation Electric provided excellent electrical services for our house. He showed up for our appointment on time, gave us a cost estimate and upon approval returned a few days later to complete the job. René is extremely personable and easy to work with. We had him do some basic electrical work, but will have him back when we are ready to do some more advance things in terms of lighting design etc. He offers some very cool services!

Rene is a knowledgable and excellent electrician. He was able to diagnose an electrical plug problem I had in my clinic and remedy the problem quickly and safely. Now I have more sockets to use and eliminate the extension cords. He also found that a lighting fixture was the problem vs a light switch problem. He upgraded the fixture and the light now uses less electricity and we get more light from one tube compared to two in the past. I highly recommend him for regular electrical repairs as well as upgrading an entire home or office with a system that allows you to select combinations of lights -- all at the touch of one button.
Jay Sordean, Acupuncture and NRCT, The Redwood Clinic, Berkeley CA

Rene at Automation Electric is great. He is professional and very knowledgeable. We have had wiring problems at my office for a long time so we called Rene. He had everything working within an hour. Call him for all electrical and wiring needs, he is the best.