69-3-101. Meaning of term "public utility". - Montana Statutes

     69-3-101. Meaning of term "public utility". (1) The term "public utility", within the meaning of this chapter, shall embrace every corporation, both public and private, company, individual, association of individuals, their lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by any court whatsoever, that now or hereafter may own, operate, or control any plant or equipment, any part of a plant or equipment, or any water right within the state for the production, delivery, or furnishing for or to other persons, firms, associations, or corporations, private or municipal:
     (a) heat;
     (b) street-railway service;
     (c) light;
     (d) power in any form or by any agency;
     (e) except as provided in chapter 7, water for business, manufacturing, household use, or sewerage service, whether within the limits of municipalities, towns, and villages or elsewhere;
     (f) regulated telecommunications service.
     (2) The term "public utility" does not include:
     (a) privately owned and operated water, sewer, or combination systems that do not serve the public;
     (b) county or consolidated city and county water or sewer districts as defined in Title 7, chapter 13, parts 22 and 23; or
     (c) a person exempted from regulation as a public utility as provided in 69-3-111.

     History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 52, L. 1913; re-en. Sec. 3881, R.C.M. 1921; re-en. Sec. 3881, R.C.M. 1935; R.C.M. 1947, 70-103(part); amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 631, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 8, Ch. 607, L. 1981; amd. Secs. 4, 5, Ch. 588, L. 1983; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 195, L. 1985; amd. Sec. 11, Ch. 546, L. 1985.