Public Utility District

In the United States, a public utility district (PUD) is a special-purpose district or other governmental jurisdiction that provides public utilities (such as electricity, natural gas, sewage treatment, waste collection/management, wholesale telecommunications, water) to the residents of that district.

PUDs are created by a local government body, such as a city, county, or metropolitan service area (two or more communities joining together for public utility purposes). Normally the districts are non-profit.

PUDs are often governed by a commission, which may be appointed or elected.

Municipal utility districts (MUD) are similar but have taxation authority.

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