This article isn't talking about protecting them, simply the problems that they are now facing and will likely face in the future.
"There's absolutely nothing to stop the existing utility companies being the companies that lead the charge with solar power."
Did you read the article? Energy infrastructure is amortized over THIRTY years. That means that they have huge liabilities until that equipment is payed off and chances are they have to upgrade it shortly after. Even pumping the solar companies full of government and investment dollars doesn't compare to all of the private equity that has gone into funding the existing infrastructure.
"There's absolutely nothing to stop the existing utility companies being the companies that lead the charge with solar power."
Did you read the article? Energy infrastructure is amortized over THIRTY years. That means that they have huge liabilities until that equipment is payed off and chances are they have to upgrade it shortly after. Even pumping the solar companies full of government and investment dollars doesn't compare to all of the private equity that has gone into funding the existing infrastructure.