The diversity of production processes in the utilities industry was reflected in the size of the establishments that made up the industry. For example, the electric power and natural gas distribution sectors consisted of relatively large plants. In 2002, electric power generation, transmission, and distribution plants employed an average of about 55 workers per establishment. On the other hand, the water, sewage, and other systems sector employed an average of only 8 workers per establishment (table 2).

Although many establishments are small, most utilities jobs were in establishments with 100 or more workers.