Working in public utilities can be a rewarding career path for those interested in working in a field that provides essential services to communities.
For the avoidance of doubt, public utilities is a fantastic career path to pursue since as a professional you are at the core of maintaining the infrastructure for public service. In other words, sure, the career is good.
According to a research performed by infidelity, the utilities industry has a market valuation of about $1.58 trillion. This indicates the market cap of the public utilities sector is large, and the higher the value, the bigger the firms. And I feel that any professional will desire to work at big companies for so many reasons which include decent salary, mentoring, advancement, etc.
The utilities sector comprises enterprises such as electric, gas, or water utilities, or those that act as producers or distributors of electricity.
What is Public Utilities?
Public utilities are essential services provided by government agencies or privately owned companies to the general public. These services include electricity, natural gas, water, sewage treatment, and telecommunications. Public utilities are regulated by government agencies to ensure that they are operated in a safe and reliable manner, and that they are available to all members of the community at reasonable prices. The goal of public utilities is to provide essential services that are necessary for the health, safety, and well-being of the community.
Is Public Utilities A good Career Path?
Whether a career in the public utility industry is a good choice for you depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. The public utility industry is an important sector that provides essential services such as electricity, natural gas, and water to communities around the world. It is a stable industry with a range of career opportunities, from technical roles such as engineers and technicians to business roles such as financial analysts and customer service representatives. Generally, public utilities should be consider a good career path for every individual seeking to take the path to the career.
Why Public Utilities Is a Good Career Path
Job security:
Public utilities are essential services that are needed in every community, so jobs in this field tend to be stable and secure.
Opportunities for advancement:
Many public utilities companies have structured career paths that allow employees to advance within the organization through training and development programs.
Positive impact on the community:
Public utilities workers play a critical role in ensuring that communities have access to clean water, electricity, and other essential services.
Competitive compensation:
Public utilities workers often receive competitive salaries and benefits packages.
Diverse job opportunities:
Public utilities companies often have a wide range of job opportunities available, including positions in engineering, management, customer service, and more.
Top 20 Big Utilities Companies in the World You Can Work
- State Grid Corporation of China: State Grid Corporation of China is the largest electric utility company in the world, based on revenue. It is a state-owned enterprise (SOE) that operates under the supervision of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Beijing. It is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as the development of power projects and the provision of related technical services. State Grid Corporation of China serves over 1.1 billion customers and operates in 26 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China. It also has operations in more than 30 countries worldwide.
- China Southern Power Grid: China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG) is a state-owned enterprise that is responsible for the transmission and distribution of electricity in the southern part of China. The company was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province. It serves over 300 million customers in the provinces of Guangdong, Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hainan, as well as the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Zhuhai. CSG is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a transmission and distribution network that includes more than 200,000 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines and over 6 million kilometers of low-voltage distribution lines. In addition to its core transmission and distribution business, CSG also engages in the development of power projects and the provision of related technical services.
- China National Petroleum Corporation: China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) is a state-owned oil and gas company that is headquartered in Beijing, China. It is one of the largest oil and gas companies in the world, and it is involved in a range of activities including the exploration, development, production, and transportation of oil and natural gas, as well as the refining and marketing of petroleum products. CNPC was founded in 1988, and it operates in more than 40 countries around the world. The company has significant upstream operations in countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, and Canada, as well as downstream operations in China and other countries. In addition to its core oil and gas business, CNPC is also involved in the development of power projects, the production of petrochemicals, and the provision of engineering, procurement, and construction services.
- National Grid (UK): National Grid is a multinational utility company that is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is one of the largest utility companies in the world, and it is involved in the transmission and distribution of electricity and natural gas in the UK and the northeastern United States. The company was formed in 1990 through the privatization of the UK’s Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), and it has since expanded through acquisitions and partnerships. National Grid is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the high-voltage transmission networks that deliver electricity and gas to homes and businesses in the UK and the US. In addition to its core transmission and distribution business, the company is also involved in the development of renewable energy projects, the storage of natural gas, and the provision of energy-related services.
- Electricité de France (EDF): Electricité de France (EDF) is a French multinational electric utility company, headquartered in Paris. It is the largest electricity company in France and one of the largest in Europe. EDF is primarily engaged in the production, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, as well as the development and operation of nuclear power plants. The company operates a diverse mix of electricity generation assets, including nuclear, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and fossil fuel-fired power plants. In addition to its operations in France, EDF has a strong international presence, with operations in a number of countries around the world. EDF is a state-owned company, with the French government holding a controlling stake in the company.
- Enel: Enel is an Italian multinational company that operates in the electricity and gas sectors. It is one of the largest utilities in Europe and is active in over 30 countries around the world. Enel’s core business is the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity and natural gas. The company is also involved in the development and operation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Enel was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Rome, Italy. It is listed on the Italian stock exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE MIB index.
- Exelon: Exelon is a Fortune 100 energy company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the largest utility companies in the United States, with operations in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Exelon’s business is divided into three main segments: Exelon Generation, ComEd, and PECO. Exelon Generation is responsible for the company’s power generation and energy trading activities. ComEd is a regulated electric utility that serves northern Illinois, and PECO is a regulated gas and electric utility that serves southeastern Pennsylvania. Exelon is a leader in the development and operation of clean, low-carbon energy sources, including nuclear, natural gas, and renewable sources such as wind and solar power. The company was founded in 2000 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index.
- NextEra Energy: NextEra Energy is a Fortune 200 energy company based in Juno Beach, Florida. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in 27 states and Canada. NextEra Energy’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources. The company is a leader in the development and operation of wind and solar power, and it is also the largest generator of nuclear power in the United States. In addition to its utility operations, NextEra Energy also has a large portfolio of natural gas assets and is involved in the development and operation of natural gas pipelines and storage facilities. NextEra Energy was founded in 1925 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index.
- Duke Energy: Duke Energy is an energy company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in six states in the Southeast and Midwest, as well as Latin America. Duke Energy’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The company is also involved in the production and transportation of natural gas. Duke Energy was founded in 1904 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 7 million customers in the United States and Latin America.
- Southern Company: Southern Company is a large energy company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in nine states in the Southeast and Midwest. Southern Company’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The company is also involved in the production and transportation of natural gas. Southern Company was founded in 1945 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 9 million customers in the United States.
- Dominion Energy: Dominion Energy is an energy company based in Richmond, Virginia. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Dominion Energy’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The company is also involved in the production and transportation of natural gas. Dominion Energy was founded in 1909 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 7 million customers in the United States.
- American Electric Power (AEP): American Electric Power (AEP) is a large energy company based in Columbus, Ohio. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in 11 states in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest. AEP’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The company is also involved in the production and transportation of natural gas. AEP was founded in 1906 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 5 million customers in the United States.
- Consolidated Edison: Consolidated Edison, Inc. (Con Edison) is a large energy company based in New York City. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Con Edison’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as the distribution of natural gas. The company serves more than 3 million customers in the greater New York City area. Con Edison was founded in 1823 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It is known for its commitment to sustainability and has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
- PG&E: Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is a large energy company based in San Francisco, California. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in northern and central California. PG&E’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as the distribution of natural gas. The company serves more than 16 million customers in California. PG&E was founded in 1905 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It is known for its commitment to sustainability and has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2045.
- Xcel Energy: Xcel Energy is a large energy company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is one of the largest utilities in the United States, with operations in eight states in the Midwest, Southwest, and Rocky Mountain regions. Xcel Energy’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, with a focus on clean, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The company is also involved in the production and transportation of natural gas. Xcel Energy was founded in 1909 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 3 million customers in the United States.
- Sempra Energy: Sempra Energy is a Fortune 500 energy company based in San Diego, California. It is a diversified energy company with operations in the United States, Mexico, and South America. Sempra Energy’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, as well as the distribution and storage of natural gas. The company is involved in the development and operation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Sempra Energy was founded in 1998 and is a constituent of the S&P 500 index. It serves more than 32 million customers around the world.
- EON: EON is a German multinational company that operates in the electricity and natural gas sectors. It is one of the largest utilities in Europe and is active in over 30 countries around the world. EON’s core business is the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity and natural gas. The company is also involved in the development and operation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. EON was founded in 2000 through the merger of VEBA and VIAG, and is headquartered in Essen, Germany. It is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the DAX index.
- RWE: RWE is a German multinational company that operates in the electricity and natural gas sectors. It is one of the largest utilities in Europe and is active in over 30 countries around the world. RWE’s core business is the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity and natural gas. The company is also involved in the development and operation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. RWE was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Essen, Germany. It is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the DAX index
- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO): The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc. (TEPCO) is a Japanese multinational company that operates in the electricity sector. It is one of the largest utilities in Japan and serves the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. TEPCO’s main business is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company is also involved in the distribution and sale of natural gas. TEPCO was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the Nikkei 225 index.
- China Huaneng Group: China Huaneng Group is a state-owned energy company based in Beijing, China. It is one of the largest utilities in China and is involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. China Huaneng Group’s main business is the operation of thermal power plants, including coal, natural gas, and oil-fired plants. The company is also involved in the development and operation of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. China Huaneng Group was founded in 1994 and is a constituent of the Shanghai Stock Exchange. It serves more than 100 million customers in China and has operations in over 20 countries around the world.
Public Utilities Workers Salary
The salary of a public utility worker can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the worker’s job title, level of education and experience, and the location and size of the company they work for.
Here are some examples of salaries for common job titles in the public utility industry:
- Line worker: $60,000 to $80,000 per year
- Technician: $40,000 to $60,000 per year
- Engineer: $70,000 to $100,000 per year
- Manager: $80,000 to $120,000 per year
- Financial analyst: $60,000 to $90,000 per year
- Customer service representative: $30,000 to $50,000 per year
These figures are only estimates and should be taken as a general guide. Actual salaries may vary based on the specific company, location, and other factors. It is always a good idea to research salary expectations for a particular job or industry before beginning a job search.
Advice on Choosing Public Utility as a Career Path
- Educate yourself about the industry: Understanding the basics of the public utility industry, such as how electricity and natural gas are produced and delivered to customers, will give you a solid foundation for your career. You can learn more about the industry through online research, trade publications, and industry events.
- Develop relevant skills and knowledge: Many positions in the public utility industry require a technical background, so you may want to consider earning a degree in a field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or environmental science. You may also want to consider earning certifications or obtaining specialized training in areas such as renewable energy or energy efficiency.
- Seek out internship and entry-level job opportunities: Many public utility companies offer internship and entry-level job opportunities for those interested in starting a career in the industry. These opportunities can provide valuable experience and help you build your professional network.
- Advance your career through continued learning and professional development: The public utility industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends. You can advance your career by seeking out opportunities for continued learning and professional development, such as attending industry conferences or earning advanced degrees.
- Network with professionals in the industry: Building relationships with other professionals in the public utility industry can help you learn about job opportunities and get advice on your career path. Consider joining industry groups or attending events and conferences to connect with others in the field.
In conclusion, a career in the public utility industry can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice. To succeed in this field, it is important to educate yourself about the industry, develop relevant skills and knowledge, seek out internship and entry-level job opportunities, and advance your career through continued learning and professional development. Networking with professionals in the industry can also be beneficial in terms of learning about job opportunities and getting advice on your career path. With hard work and dedication, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in the public utility industry.