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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. In some countries an early solution to this perceived problem was government provision of the utility service. However, this approach raised its own problems. Some governments used the state-provided utility services to pursue political agendas, as a source of cash flow for funding other government activities, or as a means of obtaining hard currency. These and other consequences of state provision of utility services often resulted in inefficiency and poor service quality. As a result, governments began to seek other solutions, namely regulation and providing services on a commercial basis, often through private participation.
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. Telephone services may also be included.
In the United States of America they 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.
Arkansas Electric Cooperative Association - - Overview on the generation and transmission cooperative. Business information, locations, and company goals and outlook available. Little Rock, AR.
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative - Features non-profit Corporation headquartered in Ozark, AR. District offices are located in Waldron and Van Buren, AR. and Pocola, OK.
Conway Corporation - Descriptions of services provided and contact information to the city-owned company which provides the water, electric, cable, and trash service to the community.
Culligan Water of Mountain Home - Pure water and water solutions for northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. Company profile and information on products.
Entergy - Features integrated electric company engaging in electric power production and distribution.
Koontz Electric - Information on business and services provided specializing in commercial and heavy industrial power and systems applications. Morrilton, AR.
Magtel Telephone Company - History, service area, and communications information from family owned operation. Contact information and listing of key employees. Magazine, AR.
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative - In addition to electric service, North Arkansas Electric Cooperative is involved in community development, small business development and jobs creation, improvement of water and sewer systems, and assistance in delivery of health care and educational services.
Ozark Electric Cooperative Corporation - Local energy provider member services, history, coop news, and contact information. Camden, AR.
Rogers Water Utilities - Rates, information, and payment options for city water and sewer utility provider. Rogers, AR.
Thompson Electric - Commercial and industrial electrical construction and maintenance services profile. Profile of projects across Arkansas. Mabelvale, AR.
South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative - Features non-profit designed to be operated efficiently to provide low rates to its membership while maintaining adequate plant facilities to distribute electricity to members’ homes and businesses.
Treadway Electric Company - Product line and distribution information from supplier for commercial, industrial, and residential accounts, utilities, telecommunications, and poultry processing industries. Little Rock, AR.
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