NAICS 221122

Overview

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the federal statistical standard for grouping business establishments to collect, analyze, and publish U.S. economic data. Developed under the Office of Management and Budget with Canada and Mexico and revised on a five-year cycle, it replaced SIC in 1997; current Census economic programs are being implemented on the 2022 NAICS vintage. ¹

NAICS 221122 (Electric Power Distribution) covers establishments that operate electric distribution systems (lines, poles, meters, and wiring) or act as brokers/agents arranging the sale of electricity via distribution systems operated by others. It is part of NAICS 22112 Electric Power Transmission, Control, and Distribution, and is distinct from bulk transmission and generation activities. ²

• See also on G2X:
  • NAICS 221121 Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control
  • PSC S112 Utilities—Electric

What this NAICS covers

• Operation of local/regional electric distribution networks delivering power to end users. ²
• Ownership and maintenance of distribution lines, poles, meters, and associated wiring. ²
• Operation as electric power brokers or agents arranging retail supply over others’ distribution systems. ²
• Metering and service connection/disconnection performed as part of distribution operations. Not specified by official sources. ²
• Coordination with transmission operators to receive electricity for last-mile distribution. ²
• Customer service and billing activities integral to distribution establishments. Not specified by official sources. ²

Related NAICS and PSC codes

Type	Code	Descriptor
NAICS	221121	Electric Bulk Power Transmission and Control (transmission/control between generating sources and distribution centers; distribution to final consumers is classified in 221122). 2
NAICS	22111	Electric Power Generation (hydro, fossil, nuclear, and other electric generation; not distribution). 2
PSC	S112	Utilities—Electric (service code commonly used for purchasing electric utility services). 3
PSC	9105	Electric Power Supply from a Third Party Generation Entity (product code for supply sourced from non-utility generators where permitted). 3

Exclusions and adjacent activities

• Bulk transmission system operation and voltage control are classified in NAICS 221121, not in NAICS 221122. ²
• Electric energy production is classified in NAICS 22111 Electric Power Generation. ²
• Construction of power and communication lines is classified in Sector 23 (e.g., NAICS 237130 Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction), not in NAICS 221122. ⁴

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between NAICS 221121 and NAICS 221122? NAICS 221121 covers bulk power transmission and control between generation and distribution centers. NAICS 221122 covers operating distribution systems that deliver electricity to final customers or brokering retail supply over such systems. The former is “upstream,” while the latter is last-mile delivery. ²

• Are retail electricity marketers and brokers included in NAICS 221122? Yes. Establishments acting as electric power brokers or agents that arrange the sale of electricity for retail delivery via distribution systems operated by others are classified in NAICS 221122. This recognizes deregulated-retail arrangements in jurisdictions where permitted. ²

• Which PSC typically aligns to federal purchases of electric utility service? PSC S112 Utilities—Electric is commonly used for acquiring electric utility services. Where a requirement specifically seeks supply from a non-utility generation entity, PSC 9105 may apply, subject to local market structure and authorization. Always match the PSC to the solicitation’s scope. ³

• Did the 2022 NAICS update change NAICS 221122? The Census implementation materials summarize 2022 changes across several sectors; no specific change to Sector 22 is highlighted in the summary resources. Agencies should still code to the 2022 vintage and verify definitions in official NAICS documentation. ¹

Useful resources

• G2X — NAICS 221122
• Census — The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 NAICS (overview, impacts, and timeline). ¹
• Census — NAICS Sector 22 definitions including 221122 detail (archival text with current descriptors). ²
• GSA — Product and Service Code (PSC) Manual (definitions for S112 and 9105). ³

References

1. U.S. Census Bureau — The Census Bureau’s Implementation of the 2022 NAICS: https://www.census.gov/library/reference/code-lists/naics/2022/implementation-timeline.html
2. U.S. Census Bureau — NAICS Sector 22 (Utilities) definitions including 221122 Electric Power Distribution: https://www.census.gov/naics/resources/archives/sect22.html
3. General Services Administration — Product and Service Code Manual (April 2025): https://origin-www.acquisition.gov/sites/default/files/manual/PSC%20Manual%20April%202025.pdf
4. U.S. Census Bureau — Employer Categories and Corresponding Establishment NAICS Industries (includes 237130): https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/esp/guidance/employer.html