Public utility

Public utility, business that performs a service for the public and is subject to government regulation. Companies that supply electricity, water, and natural gas and provide sewage treatment, waste disposal, telephone service, and transportation are examples of public utilities. In Canada and Europe, the state owns the public utilities. In the United States, most public utilities are privately owned; some are owned by municipalities and counties. Government regulation assures that the public utility, a monopoly, charges a reasonable fee and supplies adequate and safe service to all who apply for it.