Utilities, such as water and electricity, have a limited supply. The demand for utilities is increasing with the emergence of technologies, increasing passenger capacity, and the expectation to be self-sufficient during natural or man-made disasters. Local utility companies likely do not have the same priorities as the airport and cannot meet peak or unexpected demands. Discussions about utility demand and availability may be new to airports, and there is a lack of understanding about utility companies may not always be able to meet demand, how to start the conversation, and who to have it with.

The objective of this research is to provide guidelines to airports for future utility planning, including cost-benefit analysis for investment, understanding current airport capacity.