Utilities Industry

October 2010

· The industry employed about 17,500 people in 2008

· Average annual employment growth rate in the industry between 2009 and 2013 is expected to be 2.0%

Profile

Businesses in this industry are engaged in electric power generation, transmission and distribution, natural gas distribution, and the building, operation and maintenance of water, sewer and irrigation systems.

Occupations include gas utility operators, utility clerks, water and wastewater operators, plant operators, power linemen and power system electricians.

Performance and outlook

The industry’s share of economic activity in Alberta has decreased since 1999, while its share of employment has increased marginally.

Employment growth within the industry has been strong over the last decade. Demand for electricity by industrial, commercial, farm and household users will continue to increase with economic activity and associated population increases. Since 1998, for example, during a period of relative prosperity in Alberta, more than 5,200 megawatts (MW) were added to the Alberta power supply. At present, Alberta has more than 13,000 MW of generating capacity. Since a great deal of Alberta’s electricity is generated by coal and other fossil fuels, environmental considerations will affect the scope and direction of future development.

Employment in the industry had already shown some signs of recovery. In December 2009, for example, 500 more people were employed industry-wide than in December 2008.

About 1,800 jobs will be created in the industry by 2013.

For more information see Alberta Career and Industry Outlook or Alberta Industry Profiles.

Occupations in the industry

For a list of occupations and related occupations in this industry, see OCCinfo Search by Industry: Utilities page.