How many customers would an Investor Owned Utility typically serve?

Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) typically serve a large number of customers, often exceeding 500,000. This is due to their operational scale and market presence, as they are typically established companies with a significant infrastructure designed to cater to a wide customer base. IOUs operate in urban and suburban areas where the population density is higher, allowing them to efficiently serve more customers.

In contrast, options suggesting fewer than 500,000 customers do not accurately reflect the capacity and operational design of most investor-owned utilities, which tend to have extensive grids and customer networks capable of supporting large populations. The distinction in the number of customers served reflects the nature and service areas of different utilities, with IOUs generally aiming to grow their customer base and expand their service territories to enhance profitability and sustainability.