PUHCA, as it is most commonly referred to, is a US federal statute which was enacted to legislate against abusive practices in the utility industry. This act grants power to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to outlaw large holding companies which might otherwise control the provision of electrical service to large regions of the country. It gives the SEC power to approve or deny mergers and acquisitions and, if necessary, force utility companies to dispose of assets or change business practices if the company's structure or activities are not deemed to be in the public interest.

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