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In addition to setting standards with respect to the minimum wage, overtime, and other factors affecting worker pay, the federal government also sets standards for workplace health and safety.

Electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications utility services are essential to health, safety, and economic welfare. These services must be affordable and reliable.

Credit histories and loan records are tools traditionally used by lenders to decide whether to give consumers credit.

All consumers should receive service that meets their daily needs at a reasonable price. The rates for these services should be fair, reasonable, and affordable.

Rapid changes in technology have made protecting consumer privacy increasingly challenging.

Most states and the District of Columbia have established utility consumer advocate offices.

Commissions that regulate investor-owned utilities and local boards where publicly owned utilities are authorized have a large effect on the lives of consumers.

Prepaid utility service requires a customer to pay in advance for electric, natural gas, or water services. This is sometimes known as a prepayment program.

Some telecommunications and utility companies are part of complex corporate structures that can pose risks to consumers.

Mergers and acquisitions in the telecommunications and energy industry are common. Often, they occur when a large utility or holding company buys a smaller utility.