- published: 15 Jan 2016
- views: 11819
A public utility (usually just utility) is an organization that maintains the infrastructure for a public service (often also providing a service using that infrastructure). Public utilities are subject to forms of public control and regulation ranging from local community-based groups to state-wide government monopolies. (Common arguments in favor of regulation include the desire to control market power, facilitate competition, promote investment or system expansion, or stabilize markets. In general, though, regulation occurs when the government believes that the operator, left to his own devices, would behave in a way that is contrary to the government’s objectives.)
The term utilities can also refer to the set of services provided by these organizations consumed by the public: electricity, natural gas, water and sewage. Telephony may occasionally be included within the definition.
In the United States of America, public utilities are often natural monopolies because the infrastructure required to produce and deliver a product such as electricity or water is very expensive to build and maintain. As a result, they are often government monopolies, or if privately owned, the sectors are specially regulated by a public utilities commission.
Got this feeling that today doesn't like me
Or the air tastes like flowers and paint
There's a sink full of bottles and cutlery
And the car has got a list of complaints
I just wish I were a toothbrush or a solder gun
Make me something somebody can use
We can wish on the pop of a light bulb
Or those photos lying yellow and curled
Loose in boxes near abandoned electronics
In the corners of the basements of the world
Guess our wishes, don't do dishes or brake repairs
Make them something somebody could use
Got a face full of ominous weather
Smirking smile of a high pressure ridge
Got more faults than the state of California
And the heart is a badly built bridge
Seems the most I have to offer doesn't offer much
Make it something somebody could use