Since ages electricity customers had only one service option. Utilities were not required to compete for customers, and customers were not allowed to shop around for utility services. Utilities provided only one service, keeping the lights on, and everyone wanted it. Customers now have many options, such as describing the mix and source of the energy they purchase, as well as who they purchase it from. They can shop around for energy-efficient appliance rebates and find better rates that fit their needs.

The majority of customers are unaware of their options or how to shop. Customers also anticipate using their utility for purposes other than calling the utility call centre to report an outage. They want to be acknowledged personally across all of these communication channels, hear status updates via social media, pay bills, and consider incentives via self-serve mobile channels.

Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs)	IOUs are privately owned electricity and natural gas providers that aim to generate a profit for investors. Profits are distributed to stockholders or re-invested. A public utilities commission sets and regulates rates, with some customer input. IOUs buy power through contracts and own their own power plants. They are the largest type of electric utility and have a diverse customer base.
Natural Gas Industry	Natural gas is a nonrenewable hydrocarbon that is used as a source of energy for heating, cooking, and producing electricity. It is also used as a vehicle fuel and as a chemical feedstock in the production of plastics and other commercially significant organic chemicals.
Water Supply Network	A water distribution system is a component of the water supply network that transports portable water from a centralized treatment plant or wells to water consumers in order to deliver water to customers in a sufficient amount to meet their needs for residential, commercial, industrial, and fire fighting purposes. Water distribution, wastewater treatment, use and reuse, extraction, treatment, and storage are among the steps.
Energy Services Companies	Energy service companies (ESCOs) create, plan, construct, and secure funding for initiatives that lower energy consumption, energy costs, and maintenance and operations expenses at their clients’ facilities. In general, ESCOs take on the technical and performance risks related to a project and serve as project developers for a wide variety of energy conservation measures (ECMs).
Power Generation Companies	Companies that specialize in the process of generating electricity from primary energy sources. It is the stage prior to delivery to users (transmission, distribution, etc.) or storage for utilities in the electric power industry.
Transmission Companies	Companies that specialize in moving electrical energy in bulk from a generating site, such as a power plant, to an electrical substation. A transmission network is made up of interconnected lines that allow for this movement. This differs from the local wiring that connects high-voltage substations to customers, which is commonly referred to as electric power distribution. The combined transmission and distribution network is a component of electricity delivery, also known as the “power grid” or simply “the grid” in North America. The network is known as the National Grid in the United Kingdom, India, Tanzania, Myanmar, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Transmission companies and distribution companies are frequently combined.
Distribution Companies	Companies that specialize in the final stage of electric power delivery. It transports power from the transmission system to individual consumers. Distribution substations connect to the transmission system and use transformers to reduce the transmission voltage to a medium voltage ranging from 2 kV to 35 kV. Transmission and distribution companies are frequently combined and merged.
Retail / Energy Supply Companies	Energy retailers purchase electricity from the commodity market and sell it to end users such as homes, businesses, factories, and other commercial locations. In markets where consumers have no choice, they purchase from their regulated private utility or state/municipal utility. Consumers buy from retail electricity sellers, distribution service providers, community choice aggregators, and other new energy marketers in competitive markets.
Electric Cooperatives	Electric co-ops are private, non-profit utility companies owned by their customers. They are set up to provide low-cost electricity and are governed by an elected board of directors. Cooperatives are classified into two types: distribution and generation and transmission (G&T).
Public (Municipality-Owned)	Public utilities are non-profit local government agencies that provide services to communities while recovering costs and earning a profit to invest in new facilities. Locally elected officials or public employees manage them. Excess funds can be returned to customers through reduced rates, community contributions, and increased operational efficiencies. The utility governing body or city council determines rates. They run their own power plants or purchase power through contracts. The majority of public utilities are small or medium-sized.

Countries all over the world have implemented energy deregulation and competition in energy markets. When markets support customer choice and supplier competition to keep energy prices low, this is referred to as deregulation. Deregulation involves “unbundling” generation, transmission, distribution, supply, and customer service to break up monopolies over end-to-end elements of electricity. The more competitive a market, the greater the pressure on utilities to retain and acquire customers.

Hope this information helps you guys.

Cheers!!!

Mukul Sharma