Are there restrictions on the types of services public utilities can offer?

Yes, there are restrictions on the types of services public utilities in California can offer. According to the California Public Utilities Code, public utilities may only provide services that are necessary and useful to the public. These services typically include water, electricity, natural gas, sewage, telephone services, and cable television. Every public utility must be authorized by the California Public Utilities Commission, or CPUC, before offering services to the public. The CPUC also has the authority to impose certain rules and regulations on public utilities to ensure the safety and reliability of the services they provide. For example, the CPUC requires public utilities to maintain certain standards for their services, keep accurate records of their activities, and ensure their services are accessible to all customers. In addition, the CPUC also has the authority to limit the types of services a public utility can offer. For instance, the CPUC may limit the number of telephone lines a public utility can offer or the number of customers it can serve. These limitations are designed to ensure the utilities are providing an adequate level of service to their customers without overburdening the utility’s resources. Overall, public utilities in California are subject to numerous restrictions when it comes to the types of services they can offer. These restrictions are necessary to ensure public utilities are providing reliable and safe services to their customers.

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