GITNUXREPORT 2025

Utilities Industry Statistics

Utilities industry rapidly transforms with renewable growth, digitalization, and smart infrastructure.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

About 65% of global households have access to electricity

Statistic 2

The average global household electricity consumption is approximately 3,400 kWh/year

Statistic 3

The average electricity tariff for residential users in the U.S. was around $0.14 per kWh in 2022

Statistic 4

In developing countries, about 80% of the population lacks access to modern energy services

Statistic 5

The average residential electricity price in India was approximately ₹8.50 per kWh in 2022, lower than many other regions

Statistic 6

The U.S. electricity sector emitted approximately 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2022

Statistic 7

Worldwide, about 90% of electricity is generated from non-renewable sources, primarily coal, natural gas, and oil

Statistic 8

Utilities' carbon emissions reduction targets aim to achieve net-zero by 2050 in many regions

Statistic 9

Smart water management systems are reducing water waste by up to 25%, contributing to water conservation efforts

Statistic 10

Utility companies invested over $150 billion in smart grid technology worldwide in 2022

Statistic 11

The U.S. utility industry spent approximately $85 billion on infrastructure upgrades in 2022

Statistic 12

Utilities in Europe are investing around €250 billion annually in energy transition projects

Statistic 13

Leakage in water distribution systems accounts for roughly 30% of water loss worldwide

Statistic 14

Distribution grid modernization investments are expected to reach $278 billion globally by 2026

Statistic 15

The average lifespan of a utility-scale solar PV plant is about 30 years

Statistic 16

The global gas distribution network length is approximately 4.2 million kilometers as of 2023

Statistic 17

Fiber-optic communication is increasingly integrated with utility infrastructure for real-time data transfer, with 65% of utilities adopting it by 2023

Statistic 18

The average age of utilities’ infrastructure in the US is around 43 years, indicating a significant need for upgrades

Statistic 19

In 2022, the average outage duration for U.S. utilities was approximately 200 minutes per customer, emphasizing the need for grid resilience

Statistic 20

The U.S. natural gas pipeline infrastructure spans over 305,000 miles, emphasizing its critical role in energy supply

Statistic 21

The global utilities market is projected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2027

Statistic 22

The energy storage market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 23

By 2030, it is estimated that 50% of global utility companies will adopt AI-driven predictive maintenance

Statistic 24

Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the world exceeded 1 terawatt (TW) in 2023

Statistic 25

The global smart meter market size was valued at $20 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow significantly

Statistic 26

Around 75% of utilities worldwide have initiated digital transformation projects

Statistic 27

The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for coal has decreased by approximately 10% over the past five years

Statistic 28

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road worldwide exceeded 12 million in 2023, impacting utility load and infrastructure

Statistic 29

The global water utility market is valued at approximately $315 billion as of 2023

Statistic 30

In 2023, the adoption rate of smart home energy management systems increased by 35%, influencing utility demand patterns

Statistic 31

The global nuclear power capacity is approximately 390 GW as of 2023

Statistic 32

The global energy efficiency market was valued at approximately $300 billion in 2022 and continues to expand rapidly

Statistic 33

Utilities are increasingly deploying blockchain for energy trading, with over 35 pilot projects worldwide by 2023

Statistic 34

Invested capital in utilities' grid modernization globally is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027

Statistic 35

The water utility sector in North America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 36

About 55% of U.S. households had smart meters installed by the end of 2022, streamlining energy management

Statistic 37

The global electric vehicle charging station market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 32%

Statistic 38

The utilization of artificial intelligence in utility demand forecasting is expected to increase by over 50% between 2023 and 2028

Statistic 39

The adoption rate of decentralized energy resources (DERs) is expected to reach 45% of all new grid-connected generation capacity by 2030

Statistic 40

The global storage battery market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%

Statistic 41

Digital twin technology is expected to reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% in utilities by 2025

Statistic 42

The global wastewater treatment market is projected to reach $46 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%

Statistic 43

The adoption of cloud-based solutions by utilities increased by 40% from 2021 to 2023, indicating a shift toward more flexible IT infrastructure

Statistic 44

Geothermal energy accounts for about 0.4% of the total global electricity generation, with potential for much higher deployment

Statistic 45

The number of off-grid solar households in Africa increased by 22% in 2022, improving energy access

Statistic 46

Utilities worldwide are investing in cybersecurity measures, with global spend reaching $1.8 billion in 2022, to protect critical infrastructure

Statistic 47

The global bioenergy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by renewable energy policies

Statistic 48

The adoption of drone technology for utility inspections increased by 50% in 2022, enhancing safety and efficiency

Statistic 49

The global district heating and cooling market is valued at around $300 billion in 2023 and is growing at a CAGR of 5.7%

Statistic 50

The renewable energy sector employed over 12 million people worldwide in 2023, showing significant job growth

Statistic 51

The percentage of utilities utilizing big data analytics increased from 30% in 2018 to 85% in 2023, highlighting digital transformation

Statistic 52

The energy sector's global capex investment is forecasted to surpass $900 billion annually by 2025, focusing on renewables and grid upgrades

Statistic 53

The adoption of electric buses by public transit agencies increased by 70% between 2020 and 2023 globally, impacting urban utility demands

Statistic 54

Utilities are increasingly adopting machine learning models to optimize energy distribution, with over 40% implementing such tools by 2023

Statistic 55

The global market for energy-efficient lighting was valued at $60 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow

Statistic 56

The total global installed capacity of wind turbines exceeded 837 GW in 2023, signifying major growth

Statistic 57

As of 2023, nearly 80% of new utility-scale solar projects in the US involve bifacial modules, enhancing efficiency

Statistic 58

The number of microgrids installed worldwide is projected to reach over 3,000 by 2030, boosting local energy resilience

Statistic 59

Renewable energy accounted for nearly 29% of global electricity generation in 2022

Statistic 60

Hydropower contributes about 16% of global electricity generation

Statistic 61

The proportion of renewable energy in the EU's electricity mix increased from 15% in 2010 to 40% in 2022

Statistic 62

In 2022, the average capacity factor for wind turbines was approximately 36%, reflecting improvements in technology and site selection

Statistic 63

In 2023, the share of grid-connected renewable energy projects reached 65% of new capacity installations worldwide

Statistic 64

Utilities' renewable portfolio standards (RPS) in various states aim for 100% clean energy by 2040, influencing investment priorities

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Key Highlights

The global utilities market is projected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2027
Renewable energy accounted for nearly 29% of global electricity generation in 2022
The U.S. electricity sector emitted approximately 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2022
About 65% of global households have access to electricity
The average global household electricity consumption is approximately 3,400 kWh/year
Utility companies invested over $150 billion in smart grid technology worldwide in 2022
The energy storage market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% from 2023 to 2030
By 2030, it is estimated that 50% of global utility companies will adopt AI-driven predictive maintenance
The U.S. utility industry spent approximately $85 billion on infrastructure upgrades in 2022
Hydropower contributes about 16% of global electricity generation
Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the world exceeded 1 terawatt (TW) in 2023
The global smart meter market size was valued at $20 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow significantly
Around 75% of utilities worldwide have initiated digital transformation projects

The utilities industry is undergoing a transformative shift toward renewable energy, digital innovation, and infrastructure modernization, with global investments expected to top $900 billion annually by 2025 and renewable sources now accounting for nearly 29% of electricity generation in 2022.

Access and Consumption Patterns

About 65% of global households have access to electricity
The average global household electricity consumption is approximately 3,400 kWh/year
The average electricity tariff for residential users in the U.S. was around $0.14 per kWh in 2022
In developing countries, about 80% of the population lacks access to modern energy services
The average residential electricity price in India was approximately ₹8.50 per kWh in 2022, lower than many other regions

Access and Consumption Patterns Interpretation

While roughly two-thirds of the world's homes are lit up with electricity, the stark disparities—ranging from affordable rates in India to the 80% of people in developing nations still waiting for a current—highlight the global race toward universal energy access that remains very much in progress.

Environmental Impact and Emissions

The U.S. electricity sector emitted approximately 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 in 2022
Worldwide, about 90% of electricity is generated from non-renewable sources, primarily coal, natural gas, and oil
Utilities' carbon emissions reduction targets aim to achieve net-zero by 2050 in many regions
Smart water management systems are reducing water waste by up to 25%, contributing to water conservation efforts

Environmental Impact and Emissions Interpretation

While the U.S. electricity sector’s 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions in 2022 underscore the urgent need for cleaner energy shifts, the global reliance on fossil fuels and ambitious net-zero goals highlight that, like water-saving smart systems, innovation and persistence are vital to turning the tide toward a more sustainable utilities industry.

Infrastructure Development and Modernization

Utility companies invested over $150 billion in smart grid technology worldwide in 2022
The U.S. utility industry spent approximately $85 billion on infrastructure upgrades in 2022
Utilities in Europe are investing around €250 billion annually in energy transition projects
Leakage in water distribution systems accounts for roughly 30% of water loss worldwide
Distribution grid modernization investments are expected to reach $278 billion globally by 2026
The average lifespan of a utility-scale solar PV plant is about 30 years
The global gas distribution network length is approximately 4.2 million kilometers as of 2023
Fiber-optic communication is increasingly integrated with utility infrastructure for real-time data transfer, with 65% of utilities adopting it by 2023
The average age of utilities’ infrastructure in the US is around 43 years, indicating a significant need for upgrades
In 2022, the average outage duration for U.S. utilities was approximately 200 minutes per customer, emphasizing the need for grid resilience
The U.S. natural gas pipeline infrastructure spans over 305,000 miles, emphasizing its critical role in energy supply

Infrastructure Development and Modernization Interpretation

Despite pouring over $278 billion into modernizing and transitioning their infrastructure, utilities worldwide still grapple with aging assets, leakages accounting for 30% of water loss, and outage durations averaging 200 minutes per customer, illustrating that even with massive investments, resilience and efficiency remain ongoing battles in the ever-evolving energy landscape.

Market Growth and Projections

The global utilities market is projected to reach $4.5 trillion by 2027
The energy storage market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 24% from 2023 to 2030
By 2030, it is estimated that 50% of global utility companies will adopt AI-driven predictive maintenance
Solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity in the world exceeded 1 terawatt (TW) in 2023
The global smart meter market size was valued at $20 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow significantly
Around 75% of utilities worldwide have initiated digital transformation projects
The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for coal has decreased by approximately 10% over the past five years
The number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road worldwide exceeded 12 million in 2023, impacting utility load and infrastructure
The global water utility market is valued at approximately $315 billion as of 2023
In 2023, the adoption rate of smart home energy management systems increased by 35%, influencing utility demand patterns
The global nuclear power capacity is approximately 390 GW as of 2023
The global energy efficiency market was valued at approximately $300 billion in 2022 and continues to expand rapidly
Utilities are increasingly deploying blockchain for energy trading, with over 35 pilot projects worldwide by 2023
Invested capital in utilities' grid modernization globally is expected to reach $350 billion by 2027
The water utility sector in North America is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4% from 2023 to 2030
About 55% of U.S. households had smart meters installed by the end of 2022, streamlining energy management
The global electric vehicle charging station market is projected to reach $13 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 32%
The utilization of artificial intelligence in utility demand forecasting is expected to increase by over 50% between 2023 and 2028
The adoption rate of decentralized energy resources (DERs) is expected to reach 45% of all new grid-connected generation capacity by 2030
The global storage battery market is projected to reach $50 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 19.2%
Digital twin technology is expected to reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% in utilities by 2025
The global wastewater treatment market is projected to reach $46 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 7.4%
The adoption of cloud-based solutions by utilities increased by 40% from 2021 to 2023, indicating a shift toward more flexible IT infrastructure
Geothermal energy accounts for about 0.4% of the total global electricity generation, with potential for much higher deployment
The number of off-grid solar households in Africa increased by 22% in 2022, improving energy access
Utilities worldwide are investing in cybersecurity measures, with global spend reaching $1.8 billion in 2022, to protect critical infrastructure
The global bioenergy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2023 to 2030, driven by renewable energy policies
The adoption of drone technology for utility inspections increased by 50% in 2022, enhancing safety and efficiency
The global district heating and cooling market is valued at around $300 billion in 2023 and is growing at a CAGR of 5.7%
The renewable energy sector employed over 12 million people worldwide in 2023, showing significant job growth
The percentage of utilities utilizing big data analytics increased from 30% in 2018 to 85% in 2023, highlighting digital transformation
The energy sector's global capex investment is forecasted to surpass $900 billion annually by 2025, focusing on renewables and grid upgrades
The adoption of electric buses by public transit agencies increased by 70% between 2020 and 2023 globally, impacting urban utility demands
Utilities are increasingly adopting machine learning models to optimize energy distribution, with over 40% implementing such tools by 2023
The global market for energy-efficient lighting was valued at $60 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow
The total global installed capacity of wind turbines exceeded 837 GW in 2023, signifying major growth
As of 2023, nearly 80% of new utility-scale solar projects in the US involve bifacial modules, enhancing efficiency
The number of microgrids installed worldwide is projected to reach over 3,000 by 2030, boosting local energy resilience

Market Growth and Projections Interpretation

As the utilities sector surges towards a $4.5 trillion market, AI-driven innovations, renewable breakthroughs, and digital transformations—plus a growing fleet of electric cars and smart meters—are quietly but inexorably reshaping energy’s past, present, and future into a high-voltage grid of endless possibility and formidable investment.

Renewable Energy Adoption and Standards

Renewable energy accounted for nearly 29% of global electricity generation in 2022
Hydropower contributes about 16% of global electricity generation
The proportion of renewable energy in the EU's electricity mix increased from 15% in 2010 to 40% in 2022
In 2022, the average capacity factor for wind turbines was approximately 36%, reflecting improvements in technology and site selection
In 2023, the share of grid-connected renewable energy projects reached 65% of new capacity installations worldwide
Utilities' renewable portfolio standards (RPS) in various states aim for 100% clean energy by 2040, influencing investment priorities

Renewable Energy Adoption and Standards Interpretation

As renewable energy surges—comprising nearly 29% of global electricity in 2022, with the EU doubling its share since 2010 and wind turbines nearing a 40% capacity factor—the industry’s commitment to hitting 100% clean energy by 2040 is as much a reflection of technological progress as it is a strategic pivot towards a sustainable future.