American States Water holds the essence of life for Californians. Its main subsidiary, regulated public utility Golden State Water Company (GSWC), which was formerly known as Southern California Water Company, supplies water to more than 255,650 customers in 75 communities, primarily in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange counties. GSWC's Bear Valley Electric subsidiary distributes electricity to almost 23,380 Californians in the Big Bear area. American States Water operates in nonregulated water markets through American States Utility Services (ASUS), which offers billing and meter reading services and contracts to operate water and wastewater systems.