Mail Stop 0306 April 6, 2005 Via Facsimile and U.S. Mail Mr. Don R. Madison Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Powell Industries, Inc. 8550 Mosley Drive Houston, TX 77075-1180 Re: Powell Industries, Inc. Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2004 Filed January 31, 2005 Form 8-K dated December 15, 2004 File No. 001-12488 Dear Mr. Madison: We have completed our review of your Form 10-K and related filings and do not, at this time, have any further comments. Sincerely, Martin F. James Senior Assistant Chief Accountant