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.
Chilhowie is a town in Smyth County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,827 at the 2000 census. Chris Marion of the classic rock band, Little River Band, Eric McClure a Nascar Nationwide Series driver, and "Nature Boy" Buddy Landel the professional wrestler, are notable residents.