The world is full of people who want a job in the field of public utilities. There are different types of jobs available in public utilities, such as water supply, sewage disposal, electricity, gas distribution, etc. Our jobs are so important because they enable us to live our lives without any problems. However, there are different types of jobs available in public utilities. Let’s see some of those jobs.
Water Supply: There are three main jobs in the water supply industry. They include the water supply manager, the water resources engineer, and the water treatment specialist. Water supply managers plan and organize the production and supply of drinking water. Water resource engineers design the facilities required for providing clean water. And water treatment specialists ensure that the quality of water meets international standards.
Electricity Distribution: Electricity distributors sell power to customers across the globe. They install and maintain electrical equipment and systems to provide power to homes and businesses. They also buy energy produced by generators and sell it to end consumers. Some of the most common positions in the electricity distribution industry include electricians, linemen, meter readers, switchboard operators, and sales representatives. Electricians perform installation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting tasks
Let’s start with what are public utilities?
What Are Public Utilities Services?
Public utilities services are those services that are required for living a normal life. This includes things like water, electricity, gas, sanitation, transportation, transportations, healthcare, education, communication, security, etc.
In some countries, there are laws that govern the provision of such services. In others, it is left up to individual governments to decide how to provide the necessary infrastructure.
The term “public utility services” may vary depending on the context. For example, in India, the term refers to electricity distribution companies while in the United States, the term refers to electric power transmission and distribution companies.
How Many Jobs Are Available In Public Utilities?
Do you want to know what kinds of jobs are available in the public utility sector? If yes, then here is the answer.
Here is a list of how many jobs are available in different fields of public utilities. Along with the profile, you can get an idea of companies that work in the public utility sector.
1. Natural Gas Public Utility Sector
In the United States, natural gases are used as a major energy resource. About 75% of electricity generation is done by burning natural gas. Also, it is widely used in industries like chemical manufacturing, steel production, glass making, pulp and paper mills, fertilizer plants, cement factories, food processing, plastics, and many others. As per the estimates, about 20% of global total primary energy supply is coming from natural gas.
The name “Exxon Mobil Corporation” is known worldwide, because it is one of the biggest oil and gas companies in the world. They operate in over 80 countries around the globe. Their headquarters are located in Irving, Texas. The company was founded in 1909 and has been growing since then. The market capitalization of this company is $250 billion.
Chevron is another giant corporation in the same sector. Founded in 1857, this company operates in almost every part of the world. Chevron is headquartered in San Francisco, California. The company employs more than 50,000 people. Its stock price is $150 billion.
2. Water And Waste Management Public Utility Sector
The water and waste management sector includes sewage treatment plants, stormwater drainage systems, drinking water distribution networks, and solid waste disposal facilities. Wastewater treatment consists of separating solids from liquids. This process removes pollutants such as bacteria and pathogens. Stormwater drainage systems collect rainwater runoff and channel it away from buildings. Drinking water distribution networks bring tap water into people’s houses. Solid waste disposal facilities dispose of garbage and trash.
3. Electric Power Utility Services
Electricity is one of the most critical factors in our daily lives. Every day we use electricity to meet our needs such as heating, lighting, cooking, etc. We don’t think about it because it’s just there. But what happens when the power cuts out? What do we do? Where does it come from? How much does it cost us? These are some questions that arise in our minds when something unexpected occurs.
The electric power generation industry consists of three main parts: energy production, transmission, and distribution. Energy production includes both traditional sources of energy such as coal and nuclear power plants, and renewable sources such as solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, and tidal power. Transmission refers to the process of transmitting electrical power over long distances. Distribution involves delivering electrical power to consumers. Electricity is distributed through different mediums including wires, cables, fiber optics, radio waves, satellites, cellular networks, and the Internet.
In the United States, each state manages the right electric supply for individual customers. The largest source of energy is hydropower, followed by natural gas, coal, nuclear power, oil, biofuels, and renewables.
By the end of 2020, around 172,500 people will work in the electric power age industries. By 2025, that number will reach 830,000.
How Much Does A Utilities Worker Make On Average?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are over 2 million people employed in the field of public utilities. These include water supply, wastewater collection, electricity generation, gas distribution, solid waste disposal and transportation. Utility employees work in different types of positions such as engineers, managers, operators, maintenance technicians, foremen, supervisors and others.
In 2017, the BLS reported that the median annual wage for electricians was $43,570 while the median annual wages for plumbers and pipefitters were $42,510 and $41,590 respectively. The average pay for utility workers is around $20.62 per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
“What is the difference between a cooperative and a publicly traded utility?”
“Is there any difference between a utility and a public utility?”
Q1: “Is there any difference between utilities and public utilities?”
A1: Yes, both are not the same.
Cooperative utilities are owned by the consumers they serve. They operate under a set of rules called Articles of Incorporation. These rules define how much money each member must contribute toward the cost of operating the utility. In return, members receive benefits such as lower rates, better customer service, and greater control over the operations of the utility.
Publicly owned utilities are mostly nonprofits. They are usually run by elected boards of directors and governed by state laws. Their primary purpose is to provide safe drinking water and reliable electricity to residents in their communities.