What are public utilities?

Public utilities are businesses that provide essential services, such as electricity, gas, water, sewage, and telecommunications, to the public. These services are regulated by state and federal laws. In Washington, public utilities are regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, who is responsible for setting the terms and conditions under which utilities can operate, and for ensuring that the public receives quality services at reasonable prices. Public utilities are different from private companies in that they must meet certain criteria in order to provide services to the public, such as providing the services at a reasonable rate and having a proven track record of providing the services efficiently and reliably. Additionally, public utilities must follow all applicable regulations and laws in order to ensure the safety and security of their customers. In Washington, there are several public utilities, including Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Cascade Natural Gas, Avista, and Tacoma Public Utilities. All of these companies must comply with the regulations issued by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission in order to provide their services to the public. Public utilities are an essential part of the Washington economy, and play an important role in providing essential services for the public. By following the regulations established by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, these public utilities help to ensure that the citizens of the state receive quality services at a reasonable price.

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