This is in fact how regulated utilities work for fixed rate customers (simplified). The utility charges a customer a rate of x for some period. If the cost duri

This is in fact how regulated utilities work for fixed rate customers (simplified). The utility charges a customer a rate of x for some period. If the cost during that period is below x the utility may have to lower the price in the next period. If the cost is greater than x they may be able to raise the price in the next period. The exact mechanism for cost-recovery is state-specific and subject to a lot of considerations [0]. Utilities act as wholesale price buffers for retail customers (not commercial users) but the costs are eventually paid. None of this denies how economics works or that solar and wind are variable. [0] https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-1005742_1.pdf https://emp.lbl.gov/sites/all/files/lbnl-1005742_1.pdf