It's more like they want to avoid the utility death spiral: * http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2014/02/04/utilities-want-regulatory-rescue-from-death-sp

It's more like they want to avoid the utility death spiral: * http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2014/02/04/utilities-want-regulatory-rescue-from-death-spiral/#3c5cc23a2f37 http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffmcmahon/2014/02/04/utilities... * https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/this-is-what-the-utility-death-spiral-looks-like https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/this-is-what-th... That is the major thing in their heads currently for solar. Also since they are monopolies, gov'ts use them as hidden tax vehicles / subsidy givers as part of their monopoly status, which can make it hard to run an actual business. They make money via infrastructure access and selling electricity from power plant assets on the open market, not your specific kw/h power usage. Most utilities should be thought of as extensions of the government in practice.