 Now consider how a utility operator might be different from the average firm in the economy.First, assume that the operator is just like the average firm, except that the operator's input prices change at a rate that is different from the rate of change for the average firm.If the operator's input prices increase faster than (conversely, slower than) the rate of inflation, then the operator's revenue will need to increase faster than (conversely, slower than) the rate of inflation for the operator to be able to have earnings that are at least as great as the operator's cost of capital.