What are public utilities?

Public utilities are services that are provided to the public by a company, usually a government organization or a private company. In South Carolina, public utilities include water, electricity, natural gas, landline phone service, and sewage service. Public utility companies have a monopoly in providing these services and the prices they charge are regulated by the South Carolina Public Service Commission. Public utilities provide services that are essential to daily life in our society. Water is used for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. Electricity powers televisions, lights, and appliances. Natural gas is used for heating homes and some types of industrial production. Landline phone service allows people to communicate with each other, while sewage service keeps our communities clean. Public utilities often face complaints and controversy. Some people object to the costs of these services, which can be expensive, while others are concerned about the environmental impacts of utility production. In addition, some people believe that public utilities should provide services to all residents, regardless of their ability to pay. Public utilities are essential services that provide us with the basics of modern life. In South Carolina, public utilities are regulated by the state government to ensure they provide adequate service at fair prices. While utilities can be controversial, they also provide essential, life-sustaining services to all residents of the state.

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What are public utilities?

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