### Question
How is the "distribution utility" defined?


### Answer
The term **distribution utility** is defined in *16 U.S.C. § 824q* as follows -

> an electric utility that has a service obligation to end-users or to a State utility or electric cooperative that, directly or indirectly, through one or more additional State utilities or electric cooperatives, provides electric service to end-users

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 824q*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-FEDERAL REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF POWER > SUBCHAPTER II-REGULATION OF ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANIES ENGAGED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE**

