The public service principle states that the company strives to cover costs. This principle will normally come into play in public or publicly controlled companies if, for example, the consumer is to be protected from being overreached because of a lack of competition.
Public utility companies (cost recovery companies) can e.g. B. work according to the public service principle (cost recovery principle) (waterworks, transport companies, etc.). Striving to cover costs does not mean, however, that this goal will always be achieved. Public subsidies are often required to cover costs.
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