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.
Pittstown is an unincorporated area within portions of Alexandria Township and Franklin Township in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, United States, named after William Pitt. The area is served as United States Postal Service ZIP Code 08867. The area was named Hofftown in the 18th century after landowner Lawrence Hoff. As of the United States Census, 2000, the population for ZIP Code Tabulation Area (ZCTA) 08867 was 4,384. Pittstown is located at 40°34′55″N 74°57′33″W / 40.58194°N 74.95917°W / 40.58194; -74.95917Coordinates: 40°34′55″N 74°57′33″W / 40.58194°N 74.95917°W / 40.58194; -74.95917.