About the Industry 

 
The electric power industry is a robust, $342-billion-plus industry that employs nearly 400,000 American workers. In our nation’s economy, the industry represents 3 percent of real GDP. More than 70 percent of U.S. electricity customers are served by shareholder-owned electric companies.

These companies are highly regulated and are financed by the sale of stocks and bonds to the general public. These companies also are a significant source of tax revenue for state and local governments.

From a financial perspective, shareholder-owned electric companies rely heavily on the private sector for investment capital needed to finance their operations. They also raise money by issuing stocks. 

• History of the Electric Power Industry
  America enjoys some of the most reliable and affordable electricity in the world. But have you ever wondered how today's electricity system, with its "on-demand" power, got its start?