Although some utilities are affiliated with larger organizations that have generation facilities, they are often purchasing electricity in a similar fashion to other suppliers. Utilities often spread out their buying among many different sellers and buying tranches according to pre-determined rules. The price lands where it lands, and the utility must pass through the cost of this supply at no markup or discount to the customer. Because the utilities have no competitive interest in maintaining their customers’ supply business, they have no motivation to lowball the price.