public utility Hear it!

public utility Definition

public utility

noun

an organization supplying water, electricity, transportation, etc. to the public, operated, usually as a monopoly, by a private corporation under governmental regulation or by the government directly

public utility Synonyms

public utility

n.

public service, natural monopoly, light and power; see utilities.

public utility Law Definition

n

A company such as an electric company or gas company, the nature of which is to be a monopoly in a particular region. Because no free-market forces can exist in this situation, governmental regulation of such companies is the norm.
public utility Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • other: It is applied in every other public utility and in other forms of transport.
  • only: Roads are almost the only public utility or public transport system that is free at the point of use.