Public Utilities
A public utility company (usually just utility) is an organization that maintains the infrastructure for a public service. The term utilities can also refer to the set of services provided by these organizations consumed by the public, including electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, telephone, and local transportation. Public utilities are subject to forms of public control and regulation, and range in nature from local community-based groups to government monopolies and multinationals. EU public procurement rules have to be applied in utilities involved with water, energy, transport and postal services.