Power companies are an emerging group that have begun to utilize fiber-optics in their communication systems. Most power utilities already have fiber-optic communication systems in use for monitoring their power grid systems. There are several advantages that have been established with the development and implementation of fiber-optic cable systems. Compared to copper, optical fiber is relatively small in size and light in weight. This characteristic has made it desirable as intra-floor conduits and wiring duct space has become increasing plugged with expanded copper cable installation .
Optical fiber is also desirable because of it's electromagnetic immunity.
Since fiber-optics use light to transmit a signal, it is not subject to electromagnetic interference, radio frequency interference, or voltage surges. This may be an important consideration when laying cables near electronic hardware such as computers or industrial equipment. As well, since it does not use electrical impulses, it does not produce electric sparks which can be an obvious fire hazard. Advances in optical fiber technology has lead to decreases in signal loss, or attenuation. To keep the signal going, it must be boosted every so often along the medium line.