Answer: a. the local electric utility.
Step-by-step explanation:
A monopoly is a firm that is the only supplier in its market/ industry in an area. Electric utility companies are usually the only ones offering electricity in their areas so this is a monopoly.
One of a few U.S. ... is not a monopoly as there are a few of them. Auto makers do not have a monopoly as there are several of them as well such as Ford and General Motors. The Cell Phone service market has other providers apart from Verizon and Burger King is definitely not a monopoly.