Public utilities are an important part of our society. They provide essential services to millions of people every day.
But what many people don’t realize is that these utilities are also a great place to find employment.
There are many jobs available in public utilities, and they offer a variety of benefits and opportunities for growth.
In this article, we will discuss the many jobs that are available in public utilities and what makes them such a great place to work!
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What is a Public Utilities Job in a Nutshell?
Public utilities workers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from installing and repairing water lines to maintaining power plants.
In many cases, they are the unsung heroes of the modern world, ensuring that homes and businesses have access to essential services.
While the specific duties of public utilities workers vary depending on their area of specialization, there are some commonalities between the different positions.
For example, public utilities workers often need to be able to work independently, as well as part of a team.
They must also be able to safely handle dangerous equipment and materials. In addition, public utilities workers must be able to troubleshoot problems and think critically in order to find solutions.
Given the demanding nature of the job, it is no wonder that public utilities workers are some of the most highly trained and skilled professionals in the world.
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So, How Many Jobs Are Available in Public Utilities?
The public utility sector is a significant employer in the United States, with over 675,775 workers across the country in 2024.
The employment growth for this industry in 2024 is about 0.7% – not as high as some other industries, but still a positive outlook.
The number of people employed in the utility industry in the U.S. is projected to increase by 0.5% annually between 2017 and 2022.
The utility industry provides essential services to millions of Americans each day, such as water supply, electricity, natural gas, and sewage removal. Private utilities also play a significant role in the economy.
For example, investor-owned electric companies accounted for $386 billion in total economic revenue in the United States in 2021.
The public and private utility sector is expected to continue to play a vital role in the U.S. economy in the years ahead.
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What are the main sectors in the Electric power sector?
The electric power sector is divided into three main sectors: generation, transmission, and distribution. Each sector plays an important role in delivering electricity to consumers.
Generation
The generation sector refers to the facilities and equipment used to produce electricity.
This includes power plants that use fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, as well as renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.
Transmission
The transmission sector is responsible for transporting electricity from the generation facilities to the distribution system. This is done via a network of high-voltage power lines and substations.
Distribution
The distribution sector is the final link in the electric power delivery chain. It refers to the lower-voltage power lines and equipment that deliver electricity directly to businesses and homes. The distribution system is typically owned and operated by utilities.
Each of these sectors plays a crucial role in providing power to consumers. Without generation, there would be no electricity to transmit or distribute.
Transmission ensures that electricity can be delivered to customer demand centers, even if they are far from the generation source.
And distribution ensures that electricity is available at the point of use.
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Who are The Biggest Companies in the Electric Power Transmission Industry?
The electric power transmission industry is dominated by a handful of large companies. The top five firms in the industry account for about 60% of total revenue.
American Electric Power
American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than five million customers in 11 states.
AEP also owns or maintains nearly 38,000 miles of transmission lines, making it the nation’s largest electricity transmission system.
Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, AEP has operations in 27 states. The company began as a merger of several small electric utilities in Ohio in 1906.
Today, AEP is a Fortune 500 company with nearly $34 billion in assets. In addition to its electric utility operations, AEP also owns and operates a competitive generation business and has interests in transmission, coal mining, and natural gas production.
American Electric Power is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and clean energy for its customers.
Duke Energy
Duke Energy is one of the largest electric power holding companies in the United States.
It is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and serves approximately 7.4 million customers in six states.
Duke Energy has a diverse portfolio of generation resources, including nuclear, coal, natural gas, hydroelectric, solar, and wind.
In addition to electric power generation, Duke Energy also provides natural gas distribution services.
The company is a member of the Fortune 500 and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol DUK.
American Duke Energy is a reliable and affordable provider of electricity and natural gas services.
With a commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship, Duke Energy is an industry leader.
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Southern Company
Southern Company is an American electric utility holding company based in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
It is integrated into the electricity market in the Southeast through its four operating companies: Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, and Mississippi Power.
Together, these four companies serve more than 9 million customers in four states.
The company has operations in 29 states across the United States and delivers power to customers through its transmission and distribution system.
The company also generates electricity through its generation facilities, which include coal-fired, nuclear, natural gas, solar, and hydroelectric power plants.
In addition to its electric utility operations, Southern Company also owns and operates a variety of other businesses, including natural gas pipelines, retail energy services, and renewable energy development.
NextEra Energy
NextEra Energy is a leading utility and clean energy company with operations in 27 states, Canada and Mexico.
The company’s two main business segments are Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources (NEER).
FPL provides electricity service to more than 10 million customers in Florida. It is the largest rate-regulated electric utility in the United States, with over 30,000 employees.
NEER is a leading generator of renewable energy from the sun, wind, and nuclear power plants. NextEra Energy also has one of the largest fleets of nuclear power plants in the world.
Headquartered in Juno Beach, Florida, NextEra Energy has annual revenues of over $17 billion and a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion.
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Exelon Corporation
Exelon Corporation is a holding company that operates through two subsidiaries: ComEd and Exelon Generation.
ComEd is an electric utility that provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers in Northern Illinois.
Exelon Generation is a leading competitive power generator with a diverse fleet of nuclear, fossil, and renewable resources.
Together, these two subsidiaries make Exelon one of the largest utilities in the United States.
In addition to its electricity business, Exelon also has a number of other businesses, including natural gas, solar energy, energy storage, and energy efficiency.
With a commitment to clean energy and sustainability, Exelon is helping to build a brighter future for all.
Florida Power and Light Company
Florida Power and Light Company, commonly known as FPL, is a Juno Beach, Florida-based electricity utility company serving the southeastern United States.
It is the third largest electric utility company in the United States-based on customer base, and it serves more than 10 million people throughout Florida.
The company is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc., one of the world’s largest producers of renewable energy.
FPL generates electricity from natural gas, nuclear power, coal, oil, and solar power. It has more than 30 power plants located throughout the state of Florida.
In addition to generating electricity, FPL also engages in transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy efficiency initiatives.
The company has been recognized for its leadership in renewable energy and its commitment to environmental stewardship.
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Southern California Edison Company
Southern California Edison Company (SCE) is a publicly traded utility company that provides electricity to more than 15 million people in central, coastal, and southern California.
It is the largest subsidiary of Edison International and one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the United States.
SCE was founded in 1886 as the Southern California Power Company and served as the exclusive provider of electric power for Los Angeles until 1961.
Today, the company’s service area covers more than 50,000 square miles (130,000 km2), with a population of over 19 million people.
SCE operates approximately 24,700 miles (39,800 km) of transmission lines and 105,000 miles (169,000 km) of distribution lines.
The company has been ranked as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine for 14 consecutive years.
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What are the Different Types of Electric Power Transmission?
There are three main types of electric power transmission: overhead, underground, and submarine.
Overhead transmission lines are the most common type of electric power transmission. They are typically made from aluminum or steel and can be supported by wooden, concrete, or steel poles.
Underground transmission lines are typically made from copper or aluminum and are buried underground. This type of transmission is typically used in urban areas to minimize the impact on the environment and aesthetics.
Submarine transmission lines are used to transport electricity under bodies of water. They are typically made from copper or aluminum and are insulated to prevent corrosion.
Each type of transmission has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Overhead lines are the most economical option, but they can be susceptible to damage from severe weather conditions.
Underground lines are more expensive to install, but they offer greater protection from severe weather and are less likely to cause outages.
Submarine lines are the most expensive option, but they offer the best protection from severe weather and can be used to connect offshore wind farms to the grid.
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What are the different sectors of the public utility industry?
The public utility industry provides essential services to homes and businesses across the United States.
The industry is divided into four main sectors: electric, gas, water, and sewer. Each sector is responsible for different aspects of the nation’s infrastructure.
Electric
The electric sector is responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity. The sector is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and state public utility commissions.
Gas
The gas sector is responsible for transporting natural gas from production areas to markets. The sector is regulated by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
Water
The water sector is responsible for providing safe drinking water and collecting and treating wastewater. The sector is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Sewer
The sewer sector is responsible for collecting and treating sewage. The sewer sector is regulated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
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What is an Average Pay of a Utilities Worker?
Utility workers are those who work for companies that provide water, gas, and electricity to customers. In the United States, the average pay of utility workers is about $82K+ per year.
A utility employee works 43.7 hours per week on average. This salary can vary depending on the specific job within the utility industry and the worker’s experience level.
For example, entry-level positions in the water treatment plants may have an average salary of $55K+ per year, while experienced line workers can earn an average of $70K+ per year.
Some of the highest-paying positions in the utilities industry are those of engineers and project managers, which can earn an average salary of over $120K+ per year.
Despite the variation in pay among different positions, utility workers generally earn a good wage and enjoy stable employment.
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How to Get a Job in the Public Utilities Industry?
The public utilities industry offers a variety of job opportunities for those with the right skills and experience.
Utility companies are always in need of qualified workers to fill positions in a variety of departments, from customer service to engineering.
Those who are interested in working in the public utilities industry should start by researching the different sectors of the industry and the types of jobs that are available.
Once you have a better understanding of the industry, you can begin to look for job openings that match your skills and experience.
Many utility companies offer training programs for entry-level positions, so don’t hesitate to apply even if you don’t have experience in the industry.
With a little effort, you can find a rewarding career in the public utilities industry.
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FAQ About Jobs in Public Utilities
Below are some frequently asked questions about jobs in public utilities:
Q: What is the public utilities industry?
A: The public utilities industry provides essential services to homes and businesses across the United States.
The industry is divided into four main sectors: electric, gas, water, and sewer. Each sector is responsible for different aspects of the nation’s infrastructure.
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Q: How many jobs are available in public utilities?
A: There is a great deal of variation in the number of jobs available in each sector of the public utilities industry. However, there are over 675,775 workers in this industry.
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Q: What are the most common public utility jobs?
A: The most common public utility jobs include electricians, linemen, meter readers, and water treatment plant operators. These positions make up a little over half of all jobs in the industry.
Q: What is the average salary for public utility jobs?
A: The average salary for public utility jobs is $82K+ per year. However, there is a great deal of variation in salaries depending on the specific job and sector.
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Q: What are the education requirements for public utility jobs?
A: The education requirements for public utility jobs vary depending on the position.
However, most positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent. Some jobs, such as water treatment plant operators, may require additional certification.
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Q: What are the job outlook and growth prospects for public utility jobs?
A: The job outlook for public utility jobs is positive. The industry is projected to grow year over year in the next ten years.
This growth is due in part to an aging workforce and an increasing demand for infrastructure development.
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