Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path for Graduates?

Q: Who is the largest electric utility company in the US?

PG&E, CA . Pacific Gas & Electric Company of California claims the title of the nation's largest utility with more than 5.5 million customers across California.

Table of Contents Show

Is Electric utilities central a good career path? Of course, the electric utility provides high-paying jobs with growth potential. There are lots of utility companies in the electric power industry that engage in electricity generation, distribution, and sale of electric power to homes and businesses.

So electric utilities central is an excellent career path because this industry powers our society on a daily. And as a result, provides lots of job opportunities. So if you’re looking forward to a career in this sector, there are many job positions available to choose from.

In this post, we’ll go over some of the main reasons why working in electric utilities can be a good fit for you, as well as some pointers on how to get started in this field.

What is Electric Utilities Central?

Electric utilities central is any company or agency with the responsibility of distributing electric energy for public use.

In other words, they generate, transmit, distribute or sell electricity used by homes and businesses.

What are the Types of Electric Utilities Central?

#1: Public Utility

Public utilities are non-profit local government entities that offer electric services to communities while recovering expenses and earning a profit to invest in new infrastructure. Locally elected politicians or public personnel oversee electric utilities.

In addition, they also run their own power plants or purchase power through contracts. The majority are tiny or medium-sized.

Examples:

Burlington Electric Department (Vermont)
Breckenridge Public Utilities (Minnesota)

Those who read this article end up reading; 15 Best-Paying Jobs in Basic Industries | 2023

#2: Electric Cooperatives

Electric cooperatives are private, non-profit utility companies owned by their users. They are set up to supply low-cost electricity and are administered by an elected board of directors.

So, Cooperatives are classified into two types: distribution and generation and transmission (G&T). Electricity is delivered to member-owners via distribution cooperatives.

G&Ts supply wholesale electricity to distribution co-ops either through their own generation or by purchasing power on behalf of distribution members.

Co-ops are formed in rural regions when there is no investor-owned or municipal utility to offer electricity.

Examples:

Dixie Power (Utah)
Great Lakes Energy Cooperative (Michigan)

#3: Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)

IOUs are privately held electricity and natural gas companies that aim to generate a profit for investors.

Indeed, profits are distributed to investors or reinvested. A public utility commission sets and regulates rates, with some customer input.

IOUs buy power through contracts and also own generation facilities.

They are the largest type of electric utility and have a diverse client base.

Examples:

Pacific Gas & Electric (California)
FirstEnergy (Ohio)

Is Electric Utilities Central A Good Career Path?

Without a doubt! Electricity utilities offer many jobs for managers and engineers. So big companies in this industry are always looking for qualified Utility Managers and Engineers to fill these roles. There are many opportunities too for operators, linemen, and controllers.

Another reason why electric utilities central is a good career path is that there are varieties of jobs available for different kinds of people – those who love working outdoors in the field and those who prefer working in an office environment. Utilities are significant in producing energy used to power homes and industries so companies always look out for able hands to execute these roles.

As a result, if you are searching for a career path where you can advance regardless of the department you work in, Electric Utilities Central is a choice to explore.

Of Course, Electric utility managers, specialists, and energy experts are in high demand at major utilities across the United States and worldwide.

Although people rely on energy for survival, demand for any position within the industry (oil, gas, coal, petroleum, solar electricity, wind farms) will never shrink.

Electric utility workers are among the highest-paid positions in the United States. An electrical engineer, for example, makes $96,640 per year, which is much more than the majority of jobs in other sectors or businesses.

To summarize, working in electric utilities central is a rewarding choice. There are several well-paying employment available in electric utilities for anyone willing to work and provide services.

Check Also: 15 Best-Paying Jobs in Natural Gas Distribution | 2023

What is the Benefit of a Career Path in Electric Utilities Central?

Working in the electric utility business has a lot of advantages such as a competitive salary, career advancement, greater benefits, and the opportunity to work from home sometimes.

In addition, Electric utilities are among the most stable and secure occupations available, with consistent work and decent income.

Evidently, electric utilities provide good prospects for professional development and progress.

Some of the benefits of working in the electric utility industry are as follows:

Job opportunities are in high demand.
Stable employment
The possibility of traveling across the nation
Increased compensation for educational requirements
The adaptability of certain tasks ranging from line crew to management
Hands-on and in-field job experience
Learn talents that can be passed on anyplace in the world.
Excellent relative advantages
Opportunities for career progression – As the globe transitions to clean/green energy, electric utility professionals will need to upgrade their knowledge and skill set.

Also read: 20 Best Paying Jobs in Integrated Oil Companies | 2023

Skills Needed to Work in the Electrical Utilities Industry

To work in the electrical utility business, you must have the following skills:

Basic technical abilities.
Communication and interpersonal communication abilities.
Can keep organized in order to repair and install electrical systems effectively.
Troubleshoot electrical system problems.
Think creatively beyond the box.
Basic knowledge of mathematics and physics.

Electric Utility Central Job Responsibilities

Installs and monitors installed electrical equipment performance for dangers, modifications, or replacement.
Directs, advises, and/or instructs other electricians in relevant methods and techniques; arranges system repairs.
Develops and implements switching processes for medium voltage electrical primary systems.
Overseeing system repairs and directing, assisting, or teaching other electricians.
Operates and maintains switchgear and controls at low, medium, and high voltages.
Troubleshoots, tests, and inspects sophisticated electrical systems; performs moderately difficult relay calibration, complex protective relay adjustment and calibration, and power metering for substations and individual services; uses computers to operate, test, and program electrical equipment.
Interprets, uses, and updates control delineations, as well as constructs schematics and electrical panel schedules.
Reads, implements, and maintains electrical panel schedules, control drawings, and building schematics.
Ensures that equipment and inventories are handled with care.

What is the Job Prospect Electric Utilities Central?

According to IBISWorld, the utility business in the United States will generate $645 billion in sales by 2022. So, as demand for electrical power rises in 2021, the industry’s value is predicted to rise into 2022. Also from 2017 to 2022, the market expanded by 0.8 percent.

However, NextEra Energy has the highest market value in the utility business, at $159 billion. This figure was accurate as of April 2021. So, if you wish to work for a multinational corporation, State Grid Corporation of China is the world’s largest electricity supply firm by revenue, valued at $347 billion.

Therefore, according to the US Energy Information Administration, the country contributes 20% of global electricity production due to its 4.06 billion GWh generated each year.

How Much Can You Make From This Field?

According to ZipRecruiter, the average yearly salary for an Electric Utility in the United States is $73,036 as of June 20, 2022. In case you need a quick salary calculator, that works out to about $35.11 per hour. So, this equates to $1,405 each week or $6,086 per month.

7 High Paying Job in Electric Utilities Central For Graduates

#1. Nuclear Licensing Engineer

Average salary: $120,636 a year

Nuclear licensing engineers are in charge of nuclear energy plant licensing and regulatory assistance. They however do this to guarantee that systems and equipment are working as planned.

Therefore, as a nuclear licensing engineer, you will most likely collaborate with regulatory employees and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to put new codes in place. This contributes to the company’s regulatory compliance.

A nuclear licensing engineer’s additional tasks include the following:

Design and licensing documentation are being prepared.
Reports on safety analysis are provided.
Finishing regulatory analyses
Make certain that all technical criteria are satisfied.
Maintaining excellent contact with NRC inspectors and, as a result, resolving new compliance concerns on time.

You need to read this: Anesthesiologist Assistant Salary in US | How Much Do An Anesthesiologist Assistant Make in 2023?

#2. Gas Controller

Average salary: $90,452 a year

A gas controller’s job is to operate pipes to guarantee that consumers receive adequate gas or oil flow needs. Furthermore, as a gas controller, you will most likely collaborate with gas and oil businesses to prevent serious problems.

Other responsibilities of the gas controller at the utility center include:

Real-time monitoring of pipeline pressure data.
Recognizing and acting on abnormal flow volume and emergency readings.
You can change the temperature, pressure, and flow rate in gas chambers.
Maintaining and evaluating overall operating records.
Equipment for testing accuracy.

Finally, gas controllers are responsible for equipment maintenance, repair, and cleaning, as well as employing a staff to work with. They enforce safety regulations and perform safety checks. They are also in charge of oil and gas transportation.

You can also check out Associate Consultant Salary in US | How Much Does An Associate Consultant Make in 2023? while making your decision on the career path to take.

#3. Utility Manager

Average salary: $68592 to $88946 a year

Electric utility managers’ primary responsibility is to audit operations to guarantee that utilities are provided to households and businesses at the lowest feasible cost.

So, a utility manager is in charge of facilities that offer essential services to citizens of a city, town, or area. Additionally, these include water treatment plants, power plants, and telecommunications companies.

Other duties of the utility manager at electric utilities central include:

Overseeing water, sewage, or electrical systems.
Maintaining current infrastructure.
Inspecting facilities and, if necessary, fixing them.

Finally, the utility manager in electrical central is responsible for managing teams in the case of an unforeseen shutdown and searching for methods to improve service quality or reduce costs.

Check out this article How Many Hours Is a Part-Time Job? | 2023

#4. Power Engineer

Average salary: $99,189 a year

Power engineers keep an eye on the power and utility systems of a factory or commercial building.

To begin, your responsibilities as a power engineer include following all processes, adhering to safe operating protocols, and conducting equipment and maintenance repairs.

Furthermore, you are in charge of the whole facility’s electrical grid, which includes air conditioning, water treatment, lighting, and other power-producing equipment.

You will also be required to interact and cooperate closely with the other engineers in your business as a power engineer.

The goal, however, is to guarantee that your facility’s boiler systems, electrical systems, and other power transmission systems work smoothly.

Check Out: Enterprise Account Executive Salary in US | 2023

#5. Radiation Engineer

Average salary: $103,544 a year

A radiation engineer’s primary responsibility is to perform experiments that test and assess radiation effects in a range of contexts.

Professionals in this field are primarily concerned with the performance of systems, equipment, or networks during and after radiation exposure.

#6. Substation Engineer

Average salary: $105,884 a year

Substation engineers are in charge of developing design plans for electricity substations. They work with stakeholders and the rest of the project team to develop schematics.

Therefore, as a substation engineer, you will be responsible for creating design drawings and paperwork. A substation engineer’s other responsibilities include:

Choosing the right size and kind of cable and conduit for each substation. 2. Using engineering application software to make chores easier.
Organizing team members.

Certainly, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is required for a job as a substation engineer.

A substation engineer must have several years of expertise in electrical engineering positions as well as strong problem-solving abilities.

#7. Journeyman Lineman

Average salary: $74,530 per year

A journeyman is responsible for constructing and maintaining an electrical power system. This is a senior-level role that necessitates several years of relevant expertise.

You will be responsible for the construction, maintenance, and repair of both above and below-ground electrical distribution and transmission systems in this industry. Since you’ll be often climbing poles and lifting items.

As a result, you must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and operate at heights of up to 60 feet. Some of the tasks also include operating aerial and digging equipment, resolving system faults, and setting transformers.

Documentation and complete reports, on the other hand, are essential. Apprentices can be trained as well.

Additionally, qualifications include an apprenticeship, a Department of Labor Journeyman certification, a high school diploma, and the ability to work in a range of weather situations.

Also Read: Medical Assistant Salary in New Jersey | 2023

Conclusion

Due to the ever-increasing need for energy, the utility business is quickly becoming one of the most inventive and adaptable in the world. Energy investors also make investments in several areas that generate power.

As the need for renewable energy grows, even oil and gas firms are looking into prospects in renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric dams, biomass fuel, solar panels, and windmills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric utilities central a good career path?

As a consequence, electric utilities central is a fantastic job option for individuals who want to stay at work and finish their work hours on time.

What is the best electric company to work for?

ConocoPhillips.
Duke Energy.
Baker Hughes.
ExxonMobil.
PPL.
NextEra Energy.
NRG Energy.
Ameren.

Who is the largest electric utility company in the US?

PG&E, CA. Pacific Gas & Electric Company of California claims the title of the nation’s largest utility with more than 5.5 million customers across California.

Who provides electricity in California?

Southern California Edison (or SCE Corp), Edison International’s biggest subsidiary, is the principal electrical supply provider for much of Southern California. It serves roughly 50,000 square miles of service region and serves 15 million people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is electric utilities central a good career path?

As a consequence, electric utilities central is a fantastic job option for individuals who want to stay at work and finish their work hours on time.

What is the best electric company to work for?

ConocoPhillips.
Duke Energy.
Baker Hughes.
ExxonMobil.
PPL.
NextEra Energy.
NRG Energy.
Ameren.

Who is the largest electric utility company in the US?

PG&E, CA. Pacific Gas & Electric Company of California claims the title of the nation’s largest utility with more than 5.5 million customers across California.