What are the 5 largest U.S. energy utilities?
Updated: 4/18/2019
Energy customers in regulated and deregulated states alike have their power delivered by local utility companies, which also maintains the transmission equipment. While some utilities may serve a single community, many have grown into the primary power delivery service for millions of ratepayers across a single state. Choose Energy has compiled a list of the country’s largest utility companies, along with some quick facts and stats.
And remember, if you’re an energy customer in a deregulated state such as New York, Texas or California, you don’t have to – and in the case of Texas, can’t – get your power supply from your utility! Shopping deregulated electricity and natural gas rates from competitive retail suppliers in your area gives you the opportunity to save on your rate. Enter your ZIP code at the top of this page to get started.
1. PG&E, CA
Pacific Gas & Electric Company of California claims the title of nation’s largest utility with more than 5.5 million customers across California. PG&E is the primary utility for some of California’s most populous cities, including San Francisco, Sacramento, and San Diego.
- Average number of outages per customer per year: 1.5
- Average length of outage per customer per year: 374.9 minutes
2. Southern California Edison, CA
The second largest utility is another California utility giant: Southern California Edison. With nearly 5.1 million customers, SCE delivers power to Los Angeles and shares service territory with PG&E in San Diego and Santa Barbara.
- Average number of outages per customer per year: 1.2
- Average length of outage per customer per year: 139.7 minutes
3. Florida Power & Light, FL
Florida Power & Light is the biggest utility in the Sunshine State with almost 4.9 million customers across the peninsula. FPL serves residents and business owners in Miami Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as several other smaller counties stretching from North to South Florida.
- Average number of outages per customer per year: 2.0
- Average length of outage per customer per year: 3,962.5 minutes
4. Commonwealth Edison Co., IL
ComEd is Illinois’ largest utility company, delivering power to 70% of the state’s population. Originally owned by Thomas Edison himself, ComEd has grown to become the top utility company in Chicago, Lake County, DuPage County and more.
- Average number of outages per customer per year: 0.8
- Average length of outage per customer per year: 95.3 minutes
5. Consolidated Edison Co., NY
Consolidated Edison Company is the primary utility for New Yorkers, delivering and maintaining power service for nearly 3.5 million residential and business customers. ConEd provides electricity and natural gas to customers in the Bronx, Queens, New York City, Westchester, Richmond and Kings.
- Average number of outages per customer per year: 0.1
- Average length of outage per customer per year: 20.6