Are utilities' fixed costs are increasing or decreasing, why?

Utilities' fixed costs are increasing due to a number of factors. For example, utilities are required to upgrade their infrastructure to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations. In addition, utilities must invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, which require substantial upfront capital investments. Finally, the cost of labor and materials necessary to maintain existing infrastructure is also likely to be increasing. All of these factors are contributing to increased fixed costs for utilities.