Among your monthly bills, you may have noticed that unlike mobile phones, expanded television channels and Internet access, you only have one option when it comes to purchasing your electricity. The reason is not because of a lack of companies which provide the power, but because of Iowa law. In the late 1970’s, the Iowa Legislature determined that the Iowa Utilities Board should designate service territories for each electric utility throughout the state, so that no services overlap. The rationale was avoid duplication of utility facilities, and to promote economical, efficient, and adequate electric service to the public. The Iowa Utilities Board recently released an updated mapdesignating the service territories throughout the state. Of course, disputes always arise regarding these boundaries, so the map changes.