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A public utility is a company that maintains the infrastructure for a public service. Public utilities often involve natural monopolies, and as a result are often government monopolies, or if privately owned, treated as specially regulated sectors. Public utilities can be privately owned or publicly owned. Publicly owned utilities include cooperative and municipal utilities. Municipal utilities may actually include territories outside of city limits or may not even serve the entire city. Cooperative utilities are owned by the customers they serve. They are usually found in rural areas. Private utilities, also called investor owned utilities, are owned by investors. Unlike public companies, private utilities may be listed on the stock exchange. Private, in this context, means not owned by the public or the government.
In poorer developing countries, public utilities are often limited to wealthier parts of major cities, as used to be the case in developed countries in the nineteenth century.
Examples of utilities are:
- Electric Utility, which in some instances can be Electric power transmission or electricity distribution
- Drinking water purification and distribution
- Sewage treatment and disposal
- Other waste disposal
- Natural gas distribution
- District heat generation and distribution
- Public transport by bus, train, etc.
- Cable television and telephone lines
Utilities :: Energy and Environment
Utilities :: Price Comparisons
Organizations :: Conservation
ABTolls Telecommunications Consumer Advice - Consumer advice on long distance rates, understanding phone bills, avoiding pre-paid calling card scams, stopping telemarketing calls and junk mail.
Meta Description: [ ABTolls.com list of resources for consumers, designed to help you make informed decisions about the telecommunications industry.,FREE and IMPARTIAL Telephone Rates Comparisons Web Site ]
Green LA - The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power site on recycling, energy efficiency, conserving water, and green energy.
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Home Energy Magazine: Consumer Information Section - A series of articles on home performance, with topics ranging from roofing, vents, and insulation to lighting and ceiling fans.
Meta Description: [ Home Energy Magazine Online ]
Ohio Customer Choice Information Center - Informs consumers on deregulation, offering explanations, terminology, savings calculator, and supplier listing.
PowerHouse - Alliant Energy presents information on energy efficiency, safety, and home comfort. Topics include purchasing guides for energy-efficient products, energy basics, success stories, electrical, gas, and storm safety. Also information about the television program.
Propane: Exceptional Energy - Promotes the use of propane as a fuel in US homes, listing benefits and energy savings. Also provides information about appliances using propane and a find-a-retailer feature.
Thames Water Wise - UK water utility presents information, tips, and technology to help homes and businesses conserve water. Includes pages for home and garden use, cold-weather tips, and kids area.
Meta Description: [ Thames Water presents useful information, tips, and technology to help homes and businesses in the Thames Valley region conserve water - a valuable resource. ]
Utility Consumers' Action Network (UCAN) - San Diego, California, consumer watchdog group advising consumers on energy, utilities and internet issues.
Meta Description: [ The Utility Consumers' Action Network, UCAN, is a non-profit consumer organization in San Diego, California. UCAN has been educating, advocating, and enforcing consumer rights for over 24 years. ]
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