Public utilities provide electric, gas, water or telephone service to customers in a specified area. Utilities have a duty to provide safe and adequate service on reasonable terms to anyone who lives within the service area on without discriminating between customers. Because most utilities operate in near monopolistic conditions, they can be heavily regulated by local, state, and federal authorities. Generally, the local and state agencies are called Public Service Commissions (PSC) or Public Utility Commissions (PUC). Municipal Utilities and Rural Electric Cooperatives may be unregulated though.
Deeth, Nevada is an unincorporated community in Elko County, Nevada with a population of approximately 20. It used to be more populous, with a water tower, a saloon, a hotel, and other businesses and structures. However, many people have left to find better opportunities. Now only a small population and a few buildings remain. The Post Office remains open as it serves the needs of surrounding ranching areas.