Definitions for "Obligation To Serve"
The obligation of the utility to provide electricity service to any customer that requests it. By law, this falls to your local utility (LDC). The rate for this service is regulated by the state PUC.
The obligation of a local distribution company to provide natural gas or electric to any customer who requests it and is willing to pay the rates established for such service.
Under traditional regulation, it is the duty of a regulated utility to provide service to all customers in its service territory on a non-discriminatory basis.