Many utilities are also private companies and they they are required to provide service anyway. That's because they're not exactly private companies; they're g

Many utilities are also private companies and they they are required to provide service anyway. That's because they're not exactly private companies; they're government-sponsored monopolies. If they weren't, and if there were real competition for the services they provide (like all of the other local businesses), then they wouldn't be required to provide services to any particular customer.