Relations between Local Authorities and Public Utilities Companies

The development of public utilities (supply) has led to a change in needs, thereby influencing the functions that the local public administration is asked to perform. Globalisation has caused profound socio-political changes (just think of the formation of the European Union, the introduction of the single currency, the fall of some regimes) and has strongly influenced national and local goals. The development of the socio-political context and the development of new technologies have changed the meaning of public service, and local authorities (i.e. elected administrations) have been able to benefit from this discretional power, demonstrating their sensitivity to the matter as well as their vision.