This perception of the industry poses a challenge when securing and, more importantly, retaining the highly competitive talent that utilities need to execute and meet their future transformational goals, including coming to grips with the growth of digitalisation, more demanding and better-informed utilities customers, as well as rising energy costs and a commitment to meet net zero targets.

But the surge in demand for advanced technology, smart cities, and electric mobility coupled with the growing demand for renewable energy sources and sustainability means that working in utilities today is so much more than meets the eye.

The delivery of net zero by 2050 requires an unprecedented amount of change, investment and collaboration, which makes this a very exciting time for the industry, with a lot of change and opportunity for career development, as it undergoes this immense transition.

The industry is not only playing a pivotal role in decarbonising the power system, but the sector is continually changing and propelled by innovation, like distributed energy resources and smart water network solutions.

With product and service innovations transforming the way utilities operate, so much change and complexity can be really challenging, making it an incredibly exciting journey to be part of.

Don't just take our word for it! Use the buttons below to read stories from three utilities advocates that we had the pleasure to speak with:

Stella Matthews is one of those individuals who comes alive when she talks about her day job. Her face literally lights up as she goes into the nitty gritty of what her role as Hydrogen Development Manager at Northern Gas Networks (NGN) involves. So much so that you’re left wondering if your own day job has a bigger purpose and fulfils you in the way it does Stella...

Jenny worked her way up from engineer to construction manager, which means she now manages construction projects to ensure that works are carried out on time and to the specifications they are supposed to. She also makes sure they are safe. Today she works for a water company, United Utilities, and works on lots of projects that get clean water to hospitals, schools and peoples’ homes...

Over the years, Dawn worked her way up and learned everything she knows about engineering and water waste and clean water on the job. She felt alive again and put all her heart and soul into her job. She even went back to school to get some qualifications just to increase her knowledge and confidence more. Dawn’s only regret is that she allowed other people to deter her...

Moreover, utilities are not only immersed in some of the most exciting new technologies in the marketplace (including smart thermostats, smart power strips, AI and machine learning applications, software, energy storage, and advanced analytics), but they have a mission to serve their communities and the planet by focusing on providing a more sustainable future.

Whether companies are responsible for electricity, gas, water, or waste utilities, they are now striving to develop intelligent solutions and energy efficiency in their own operations, while also ensuring safe and secure infrastructure for the environment today and into the future.

They’re no longer simply providers of electricity, gas, water and wastewater services. Instead, they’re solution providers and help consumers – employees and customers alike – use energy more efficiently and differently, and the actions they take now will have a profound impact on society for generations to come.

Utilities impact our communities, our countries and our planet...