Final answer:
DC power is primarily provided by utilities for solar power systems, wherein solar cells generate DC power which is then converted to AC for household use or sent back to the grid.
Step-by-step explanation:
For what application is DC power still provided by the utility? DC power is essential in the realm of modern utilities for specific applications such as solar power systems. Solar cells, for instance, produce DC power, and this output needs to be converted to AC through an inverter for most household applications. The excess DC power generated by solar cells can be sent back to the electrical grid for sale to utilities. In contrast, most of the larger power distribution systems utilize AC because it is more efficient for long-distance transmission and it is easier to step up or decrease AC voltages compared to DC.