What Companies are in the Public Utilities Field? | Top 10 Companies

The top companies in public utilities include AES Corporation, American Electric Power, and Edison international. Companies in the public utilities field provide gas, electric water, and wastewater services to residential and commercial premises.

This sector houses some of the biggest companies in the US, which is not the least surprising. The public utility sector has a market valuation of over $1.58 trillion, making it one of the most lucrative sectors.

Overview of the Public Utility Field

The public utility industry includes various companies that provide vital public services. They include utilities such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as telecommunications and transportation companies. While these corporations have their own unique set of operations, they all serve a working society.

Aside from the essential services outlined above, some companies also provide alternative energy efficiencies options like solar panels and wind turbines. Furthermore, as the world shifts toward cleaner energy sources and a greener planet, several “conventional” utility companies are expanding into renewable energy.

Types of Public Utility Companies

Examples of important services provided by public utility companies are electricity, oil, and gas. These services are essential to the society.

In most situations, government-controlled institutions are responsible for supplying these services. Nevertheless, a number of private firms are also involved in this field. The public utility industry is extensively regulated, and private enterprises must get relevant licenses in order to provide their services.

5 types of public utility companies

• Water Utility Companies
• Natural Gas Utility Companies
• Electric Utility Companies
• Telecommunication Utility Companies
• Multi Utility Companies

1. Water Utility Companies

Customers are frequently provided with water services by these companies. American Water, Aqua America, and California Water Service Group are popular water utility companies.

These companies provide drinking water to millions of people across the United States. They also provide essential services to both residential houses and commercial facilities.

2. Natural Gas Utility Companies

Natural gas utility companies provide their customers with natural gas distribution services. These companies are usually subject to state and federal regulations. Thus, they are required to follow a specific set of laws and regulations.

Natural gas utilities frequently hold monopolies on natural gas services in their service area. This signifies that they are the only company that can provide natural gas service to customers in their service region.

3. Electric Utility Companies

Electric utility companies are a subset of public utilities that supply power to commercial and residential regions. The supply of these services is subject to government regulation to ensure that customers have access to safe and dependable power.

Utilities that provide electricity may also provide other services such as natural gas, water, and trash collection.

4. Telecommunication Utility Companies

Telecommunication companies provide various types of communication services to their customers. This category includes services such as phone lines, Internet access, and television service.

AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable are some of the most common companies in this field.

5. Multi-Utility Companies

Multi utilities are businesses that provide many utility services to their customers

Services in this area include electricity, gas, water, and waste management, to name a few. There are multi-utility firms that also provide services in telecommunications and other areas.

Top 20 Companies in the Public Utility Field

1. AT&T

Size: 229,000 employees

Headquarters: Dallas, Texas

Founded: 1983

Revenue: $155.650 billion

AT&T Inc. is an American multinational telecommunications holding company. In 1983, AT&T was known as Southwestern Bell Corporation, and in the 1990s, it was renamed American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T).

It is now the world’s oldest and largest telecommunications corporation in terms of revenue. It is also the third-largest provider of mobile telephone services in the United States.

2. Verizon

Size: 132,800 employees

Headquarters: New York, New York

Founded: 1983

Revenue: $135.651 billion

Verizon is an American wireless network provider that was previously known as Verizon Wireless. Verizon is a global telecommunications company and is expected to produce over $133 billion in revenue.

Verizon’s major services and solutions include voice, data, and video.

3. Duke Energy

Headquarters: Charlotte, North Carolina

Size: 28,800 Employees

Founded: 1904

Revenue: $28.023 billion

Duke Energy Corporation is a holding corporation for natural gas and electric power. Duke Energy is one of the largest energy holding firms in the United States, servicing the Southeastern United States and the lower Midwest.

In 2022, the company’s regulated utility activities supplied nearly 8 million consumers’ electricity needs, with another 1.6 million receiving natural gas utilities.

4. Southern Company

Size: 26,750 employees

Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia

Founded: 1924

Revenue: $27.28 billion

Southern Company is an American gas and electric utility holding company. This company is dedicated to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through its expansion into renewable energy sources.

According to Forbes magazine’s 2022 rankings, Southern Company is the second Best Big Employer in America.

5. National Grid plc

Size: 23,700 employees

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Founded: 1990

Revenue: 18.4 billion GBP

National Grid plc is a British multinational and the largest natural gas distributor in the United Kingdom. Operating in the UK and the US, they aim to eradicate fossil fuels from their US gas and electric systems. Thus, by 2050 or sooner, the people and communities they serve will be able to meet their heating needs without using fossil fuels.

Their transmission networks are spread across the UK and the US, making it one of the biggest international utility corporations.

6. American Electric Power

Size: 17,900 employees

Headquarters: Columbus, Ohio

Founded: 1906

Revenue: $18.44 billion

American Electric Power is a large investor-owned electric utility in the United States, serving over five million consumers in 11 states. AEP is one of the nation’s largest power generators. The organization generates 38,000 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity throughout the United States, with individual unit ratings ranging from 25 MW to 1,300 MW.

American Electric Power is one of the nation’s leading regulated utilities, dedicated to powering a cleaner, brighter energy future for its customers and communities.

7. Edison International

Size: 12,736 employees

Headquarters: Rosemead, California

Founded: 1886

Revenue: $16.535 billion

Edison International is a public utility and global energy advising firm that provides complete, data-driven energy solutions to enterprises.

Edison International is one of the nation’s largest electric utility holding firms. The company also has other independent subsidiaries that provide clean and reliable electricity and energy services.

8. AES Corporation

Size: 8,200 Employees

Headquarters: Arlington, Virginia

Founded: 1981

Revenue: $12.32 billion

The AES Corporation is a utility and power production corporation that owns and runs approximately 150 power plants. These plants are used to generate and sell electricity to end users.

AES Corporation is the world’s largest independent energy generator, dedicated to hastening the growth and implementation of sustainable energy efficiency. The organization enhances people’s lives by providing the world with greener, smarter energy solutions.

9. American Water Works Company, Inc.

Size: 7,100 employees

Headquarters: Camden, New Jersey

Founded: 1886

Revenue: $3.812 billion

American Water is a public utility corporation in the United States that offers water and wastewater services through its subsidiaries.

This is the largest publicly listed wastewater utility firm in the United States. It trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker name AWK and serves an estimated 14 million consumers in the US.

10. Pinnacle West Capital Corporation

Size: 6,219 employees

Headquarters: Phoenix, Arizona

Founded: 1985

Revenue: $4.114 billion

Pinnacle West Capital Corporation is known for its robust customer growth, sound finances, and ethical ESG emphasis. The company continually seeks to fulfill corporate demands with methods that balance a healthy environment and strong communities for current and future generations.

They serve almost 1.3 million consumers with clean, reliable, and cheap energy and are committed to providing 100% clean and carbon-free electricity by 2050.

 

Company	Number Of Employees	Headquarters	Revenue
AT&T Inc.	229,000	Dallas, Texas	$155.650 billion
Verizon	132,800	New York, New York	$135.651 billion
Duke Energy	28,800	Charlotte, North Carolina	$28.023 billion
Southern Company	26,750	Atlanta, Georgia	$27.28 billion
National Grid plc	23,700	London, United Kingdom	18.4 billion GBP
American Electric Power	17,900	Columbus, Ohio	$18.44 billion
Edison International	12,736	Rosemead, California	$16.535 billion
AES Corporation	8,200	Arlington, Virginia	$12.32 billion
American Water Works Company, Inc.	7,100	Camden, New Jersey	$3.812 billion
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation	6,219	Phoenix, Arizona	$4.114 billion

 

Commonalities of the Public Utility Industry

The public utilities industry is capital-intensive and extensively regulated. This implies that companies rely on a steady inflow of funds to pay for costly infrastructure upgrades.

Despite the constant requirement for cash flow, utilities are generally regarded as extremely solid investments. This is because they tend to pay steady dividends to investors while having significantly lower price volatility than the rest of the market. That is why utility companies continue to grow even when the whole market is struggling. Thus, they are regarded as some of the safest investments.

How to Get a Job Offer from Companies in Public Utilities

A career in the public utility industry may be both lucrative and demanding, depending on how well you fit into the job role. Working in this sector requires a unique set of talents and certifications.

Steps to take to get juicy job offers from public utility companies

1. Research The Company

Begin by researching the public utilities market and the companies that operate in this space. Investigate their products, services, and business culture. This information will assist you in tailoring your job search. Moreso, it will help you identify organizations that are a good fit for your skills and interests.

2. Tailor Your Resume/Cover Letter to The Job

You should personalize your resume and cover letter to the public utilities field and the exact position you are applying for. Emphasize your most significant applicable talents, experience, and education for your desired position.

3. Apply for Available Positions

Use job search portals, corporate websites, and professional networks to identify open positions in public utilities. Make sure to thoroughly read the application requirements and submit your application before the deadline.

4. Network

Attend industry conferences, join professional organizations, and connect with people who work in public utilities. Developing contacts with industry people can assist you in learning about job prospects and receiving references.

5. Prepare for the Interview

Study the firm and position you are applying for, and practice common interview questions. Prepare your responses and be prepared to discuss your talents, experience, and why you want to work in public utilities.

6. Follow Up

After interviews, contact the hiring manager to convey your interest in the position. Also, inquire about the progress of your application.

What Companies in Public Utility Field Look For When Hiring?

Public utility companies seek candidates with a range of skills and qualifications. Some of the key attributes these companies look for when hiring include:

1. Education and Training

Most public utility companies go for candidates with bachelor’s degrees in a related discipline. Most public utility professionals have bachelor’s degrees in engineering, business administration, finance, or environmental science.

2. Technical Skills

Candidates with good technical abilities are mostly employed. This is because public utility companies rely largely on technology to supply their services. Most public utility jobs require specific technical abilities. For instance, understanding of energy generating and distribution systems.

3. Industry Knowledge

Public utility firms need people who understand the industry and are up to date on current trends, laws, and issues. This knowledge can be obtained through past job experiences or education.

4. Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Workers in the public utility industry must be capable of analyzing complicated data, identifying problems, and developing effective solutions. The industry needs candidates who are analytical, detail-oriented, and critical thinkers.

5. Communication Skills

Public utility firms communicate with a variety of stakeholders, including customers, regulators, and coworkers. Individuals with excellent verbal and written communication abilities are in high demand.

6. Safety Concerns

Because public utilities are heavily regulated, they must prioritize safety for their staff, customers, and the general public. Applicants that show a strong commitment to safety and have worked in a safety-conscious setting are highly valued.

FAQs

What are public utilities called?

Public utilities are frequently referred to as essential services or public services. Electricity, gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications are examples of such services. They are considered essential to the public’s well-being and are frequently controlled by the government. This guarantees that they are available to all members of the public at reasonable costs and specific standards.

What is an example of a utility company?

An example of a utility company is water utility company. These corporations provide water and wastewater services. American Water Company is one of the largest publicly listed wastewater utility firm in the United States.

How many utility companies are there in the world?

There are thousands of utility firms worldwide that provide important services to consumers, such as electricity, gas, water, and telephones. It’s difficult to give an accurate number of utility companies worldwide because the definition varies by country and location.

How many public utilities are there in the US?

There are thousands of public utilities in the US that provide essential services to consumers, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications.

What is the biggest utility company?

The biggest utility company in the world is China’s State Grid Corporation of China, which provides electricity transmission and distribution to over a billion people in China. It is a state-owned enterprise and has over 1.9 million employees.

What is the largest utility company in the United States?

In the United States, the largest utility companies based on market capitalization are NextEra Energy, Inc., Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, Southern Company, and Exelon Corporation. These companies provide a range of services, including electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as natural gas and renewable energy services.

Who are the big 6 utilities?

The “Big Six” utilities are British Gas, E.ON UK, npower, Scottish Power, SSE, and EDF Energy. The Big 6 was a term used to refer to the six largest energy suppliers in the United Kingdom. However, the term is no longer used since the energy market has changed significantly in recent years.

Who are the Big Five energy companies?

The “Big Five” energy companies are Duke Energy, Exelon Corporation, NextEra Energy, Southern Company, and Dominion Energy. The “Big Five” was used to describe energy companies.

What comes under public utility?

Services like electricity, gas, and water come under public utility. Public utilities typically refer to essential services that are provided to the public, often by government or private entities that the government regulates.

What utility company does Warren Buffett Own?

Warren Buffett owns Berkshire Hathaway. The largest utility company owned by Berkshire Hathaway is Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which operates a number of utility subsidiaries.

Is Facebook a public utility?

No, Facebook is not a public utility. Social media platforms like Facebook are not typically considered public utilities in the same way as essential services like electricity, water, or gas.

What are examples of public utilities?

Examples of public utilities are electric, gas, water, telecommunications, and transportation.

What is the biggest public utility company?

The biggest public utility company in the US is American Electric Power. This company has a revenue of $18.44 billion and serves over five million consumers in 11 states. American Electric Power is one of the nation’s largest power generators that generate up to 38,000 megawatts (MW).

What is the largest US public utility company by market capitalization?

The largest US public utility company by market capitalization is NextEra Energy, Inc. (NEE). As of September 2021, NextEra Energy’s market capitalization was over $167 billion.

Conclusion: What Companies are in the Public Utilities Field? | Top 10 Companies

The top companies in public utility supply essential services such as power, water, and gas to millions of people around the country. These corporations are also among the largest employers in the United States, employing tens of thousands of people.