A public utility is a corporation that provides services to the public, such as electricity, telephone service, natural gas, water, or postal services. The national, state or municipal government often regulates public utilities. The term “public utility” can also refer to a service or product provided by these corporations to the broader public, such as water, natural gas, or sewage. A public utility is frequently a component of a natural monopoly. A monopoly exists because economies of scale in markets make it the most cost-effective option to serve consumers with the best quality and pricing. For example, if numerous firms supplied tap water, each with their infrastructure, the additional expenditures of having more than one water pipeline would not benefit the user and would substantially increase prices.
Benefits Of Public Utilities
1. Discrimination Is Not Tolerated:
Public utilities offer consumers uniform services at uniform costs. There is no distinction between the affluent and the poor. The wealthiest do not pay more, and the poor do not receive any rate discounts from public utilities.
2. Unified Command:
Utilities are directly under the jurisdiction of the government. As a result, the control will be effective and guaranteed as the government prioritizes the public good.
3. Motivation For Service:
The fundamental goal of public utilities is to provide services to the public rather than to create profits. This guarantees that the most benefit to society is provided at the lowest possible cost.
4. Consistent Revenue:
The utilities only trade on a cash basis since they continuously provide services to the general population. It guarantees that the utilities will receive a consistent and consistent income.
Limitations Of Public Utilities
1. Poor Effectiveness:
The quality of the services may not be as effective due to a monopoly in operation and lack of competition. Utilities’ services can become more effective just because of competition.
2. Large Financial Needs:
Because of the population’s density and dispersion, the coverage in providing services is similarly broad. Due to the high cost of land acquisition and the high installation costs, this requires a significant financial investment.
3. Users’ Lack Of Choice:
Because monopolies exist, customers have little option but to accept the kind, quality, and amount of services provided by utilities. They cannot do away with utilities since the services are fundamental to the consumers’ civilized and comfortable existence.
Below Are The Top-Paying Jobs In The Public Utilities Industry:
1. Utility Manager (Salary: $215,000 Per Year)
Utility managers are in charge of supervising their organization’s utility services daily. They often lead a team of technicians and engineers that collaborate to guarantee that water, gas, electricity, or other utilities are safe and on schedule.
Utility managers may also be responsible for new methods to improve services or save expenses. It might include investigating new technologies or equipment, putting new procedures or protocols to test, or adopting changes based on consumer feedback.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a similar discipline is frequently required to work as a utility manager. A master’s degree in engineering or business administration is required for some jobs. Business management, finance, accounting, economics, statistics, engineering, and computer science are all relevant courses for this function.
2. Power Plant Engineers (Salary: $183,000 Per Year)
Power plant engineers are in charge of running power plants daily. They verify that all systems are operational and monitor performance to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
Power plant engineers may also be in charge of managing any renovations or repairs to their facility. Improving overall performance might entail anything from updating obsolete equipment to introducing new safety features.
A bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as power engineering or electrical engineering, is often required for a power plant engineer. This position would benefit from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mathematics, and chemistry. Some businesses favour people with an engineering master’s degree.
3. Power System Engineer (Salary: $275,000 Per Year)
Power system engineers are in charge of the design, building, and upkeep of power systems. They use a range of equipment to guarantee that power is safely and effectively delivered to homes, companies, and other areas.
Power system engineers might specialize in one aspect of this discipline or work as generalists with several tasks. They all play a crucial part in keeping our electrical system working properly, regardless of their specialty.
Training for power system engineers is through an apprenticeship or internship. Apprenticeships and internships provide students with hands-on experience while also earning a paycheck. They last two to four years.
4. Radiation Technician (Salary: $85,000 Per Year)
Radiation technicians are in charge of protecting people and property in several circumstances. They often deal with radioactive materials, although they may be called upon to monitor or fix other forms of radiation-producing equipment.
Radiation technicians often have a scientific or engineering background. They must understand how various forms of radiation interact with materials to utilize, maintain, and repair radiation-producing equipment appropriately.
Radiation technicians are often required to have an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate by most workplaces. These programs last two years and include biology, chemistry, physics, and math subjects.
5. Pipeline Controllers (Annual Salary: $145,000)
Pipeline controllers are in charge of monitoring and controlling the flow of materials through pipelines. To ensure that everything is working well, they monitor pressure, temperature, and other data. If there is a problem, such as a leak or a rupture, they may take further measures to limit the flow of material until it is fixed.
The need for pipeline controllers will continue to be driven by the demand for natural gas and oil. More controllers will be required if pipelines are built to monitor and manage the flow of these resources.
A high school diploma or GED certificate is necessary to work as a pipeline controller. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering or business administration, are preferred by certain companies.
6. Substation Technician (Annual Salary: $114,500)
Substation technicians are in charge of the operation and maintenance of substations, which are enormous power transformers that transfer energy from high-voltage transmission lines to lower-voltage levels. They guarantee that all equipment is in good working order and responds to problems.
Substation technicians must be well-versed in the concepts and practices of electrical engineering. They must also have excellent problem-solving abilities and solid communication skills to successfully communicate with other engineers and technicians about any difficulties or concerns that arise on the job.
A two-year associate degree in electrical or electronic engineering technology is often necessary for substation technicians. These classes cover the essentials of electricity and electronics, including direct current and alternating current concepts, electronics fundamentals, and digital and analog electronics fundamentals.
7. Power Systems Engineer (Annual Salary: $163,000)
Power systems engineers are in charge of designing, developing, and implementing power generating and distribution systems. They operate with several pieces of equipment like generators, turbines, motors, transformers, circuit breakers, and so on. It is their responsibility to guarantee that these systems work safely and effectively while adhering to all applicable regulatory standards.
Engineers in power systems may also be entrusted with creating new technologies or procedures to enhance current systems. It might range from developing more efficient generators to developing innovative methods of storing energy for later use. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as electrical engineering or mechanical engineering, is required for a power systems engineer.
8. Transmission Line Engineer (Annual Salary: $127,000)
Transmission line engineers are in charge of designing and building electricity transmission lines. They operate with many materials, such as steel, concrete, fibreglass, and other materials utilized to construct these structures.
Engineers working on transmission lines must verify that their designs comply with all applicable safety requirements and laws. It involves ensuring that the structure is sturdy enough to sustain its intended usage while not creating a hazard to people or property in the surrounding region.
Transmission line engineers are required to have a high school certificate or GED. Some firms prefer people with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a similar profession.
9. Water Technician (Annual Salary: $85,000)
Water technicians are in charge of monitoring and maintaining the water quality in their areas. They frequently collaborate with municipal utilities or private enterprises that supply drinking water to residential and commercial clients.
Water technologists may be entrusted with evaluating water samples to ensure they fulfil specific cleanliness, pH, and other requirements. They may also be in charge of finding and resolving any problems with equipment or infrastructure that may have an impact on the quality of water provided to customers.
Most jobs need water technicians to have a high school diploma or similar. Some roles may require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as chemistry or biology.
10. Wastewater Operator (Annual Salary: $70,500)
Wastewater operators are in charge of wastewater treatment and disposal in their localities. They are in charge of monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the equipment that processes sewage and other forms of wastewater before it is returned to the environment.
Wastewater operators may also be in charge of water quality monitoring or the provision of potable water. It involves contamination testing on water samples and ensuring that water fulfills safety requirements before it is provided to users.
A high school diploma or a General Education Diploma is necessary for entry-level wastewater operators (GED). Some firms prefer people with a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in wastewater treatment or a similar profession.
11. Water Engineer (Annual Salary: $145,000)
Water engineers are in charge of the design, building, and upkeep of water systems. They use materials and technologies to ensure that clean water is always accessible.
Water engineers may also be involved in the administration of these systems, determining how much water should be treated or pushed through pipelines at any one moment based on consumer demand.
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a similar discipline is often required for water engineers. Hydrology, water treatment, water distribution, and water quality are among the topics covered in these programs.
Many firms favor civil engineering master’s degree applicants. Hydrology, water treatment, water distribution, and water quality are all relevant master’s degree courses.
12. Water Treatment Specialist (Annual Salary: $122,000)
Water treatment specialists are in charge of guaranteeing the safety of the water we consume, bathe in, and use for other daily activities. They frequently collaborate with public utilities or private organizations to evaluate water quality, treat it if needed, and guarantee that it fulfills all required regulations before distributing it to clients.
Water treatment professionals may also be relied upon to deliver broad public information regarding water quality. Presentations at schools or community gatherings on topics such as how to properly maintain a home water filtration system or how to recognize indicators of polluted water sources might fall under this category.
A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or environmental science is required for water treatment professionals. Candidates with a master’s degree in chemistry, environmental science, or civil engineering are preferred by certain businesses.
13. Sewer Inspector (Annual Salary: $122,000)
Sewage inspectors are in charge of examining the sewer systems in their jurisdiction to verify that they are in good working order. They often undertake visual inspections of sewers, but they may also utilize specialized technology such as cameras or sonar devices to have a better understanding of what’s going on beneath.
Sewage inspectors must be able to recognize and understand numerous symptoms of sewer system failure. This might include fractures in the walls, pipe leaks, or other signs that something is amiss with the infrastructure.
A high school diploma or GED certificate is often required for a sewage inspector. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a similar discipline are preferred by some businesses. Coursework in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics is required for these degrees.
14. Waste Collector (Annual Salary: $70,500)
Waste collectors collect rubbish, recycling, and other waste from homes and businesses. They work with a number of specialized equipment, like trucks, bins, compactor machines, and more.
Waste collectors must be able to operate autonomously. It implies that they must be physically healthy and capable of carrying heavy goods. They must also be competent problem solvers in case something goes wrong with the equipment.
A high school diploma or GED certificate is required for waste collectors. Some garbage collectors have a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in environmental science or a similar discipline. These degrees can assist garbage collectors in advancing their careers and earning better wages.
15. Telephone Operator (Annual Salary: $64,500)
Telephone operators handle incoming and outgoing calls for a firm. When someone is unavailable, they answer the phone, route it to the relevant department or people, and take messages.
Telephone operators may also be responsible for providing general customer support over the phone—answering inquiries about products or services, resolving billing or account information concerns, and so on—but their primary role is to handle incoming calls efficiently and effectively.
Many phone operators start as customer service representatives or contact centre agents. These positions give the essential training for becoming a phone operator. Training for these positions often involves teaching how to use a computer and phone system, transfer calls, use a phone system, and search for information on a computer.
16. Railroad Conductor (Annual Salary: $112,000)
Railroad conductors are responsible for ensuring the safe passage of trains. They check that every piece of equipment is in working order before leaving the station and monitor the train’s speed and safety during its voyage. Aside from guaranteeing the safety of their passengers and freight, railroad conductors must also deal with other aspects of running a railroad business, such as communicating with dispatchers about scheduling changes or track maintenance.
A railroad conductor’s license is required for all railroad conductors. To get a certificate, you must pass a written test administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. The test comprises 50 questions, and you must answer at least 38 correctly to pass. When you acquire your license, you must carry it with you. A temporary license, a certificate of accomplishment, or a wallet card can be proof.
17. Energy Auditor (Annual Salary: $122,000)
Energy auditors are in charge of ensuring that buildings and other structures use energy as effectively as possible. They often conduct audits regularly to check that the building’s systems are functioning effectively, find areas for improvement, and provide recommendations on how to implement such changes.
18. Natural Gas Technician (Annual Salary: $99,000)
Natural gas technicians are in charge of the installation, maintenance, and repair of natural gas pipelines. They use a number of tools to guarantee that the gas flows correctly via these pipelines.
Natural gas professionals may also be required to evaluate houses or businesses before they may be serviced by their local utility provider. This examination assists them in identifying any structural faults or other difficulties that might jeopardize the technician’s or others’ safety during installation.
19. Renewable Energy Engineer (Annual Salary: $162,000)
Renewable energy engineers are in charge of developing new technologies and methods for harnessing renewable energy sources. They frequently use a range of energy sources, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass.
Engineers working in renewable energy may also be engaged in the design and building of these systems or equipment. It involves anything from designing individual components to managing the construction process of a new facility or power plant.
20. Pipeline Inspector (Annual Salary: $165,000)
Pipeline inspectors are in charge of guaranteeing the safety of our country’s pipes. They inspect these pipes regularly for signs of degradation or corrosion that might result in a leak or rupture. If they discover any problems, they notify their supervisor so that repairs may be completed as quickly as possible.
Pipeline inspectors may also be assigned to check other types of oil and gas equipment, such as storage tanks or processing units. It is their responsibility to guarantee that all of this equipment is safe and functional.
21. Journeyman Lineman (Annual Pay $95,500)
The electrical power system is built and maintained by a journeyman lineman. This is a senior post that necessitates many years of relevant expertise. This job includes building, maintaining, and repairing electrical distribution and transmission networks both above and below ground. As you climb poles and lift equipment frequently, you must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be comfortable working at heights of up to 60 feet.
22. Wind Turbine Engineer (Salary $87,500 Per Year)
As a wind turbine engineer, you work on wind farm installations to build turbine schematics and layouts for the mechanical operations of the wind farm. You also investigate the local environment to discover the infrastructure that will enable the wind farm’s activities within the parameters of the applicable license.
Conclusion
The public utility sector has a significant demand for competent workers at all levels of the organization. Furthermore, new segments of the public utility sector, such as wind and solar energy, are expanding at an unprecedented rate. It leads to many job options.
There is no use in wasting time in the public utility industry because there are several prospects for advancement. So, if you believe working in public utilities is a solid career path, start looking for jobs that match your credentials and future aspirations.