[Broken_Hippo]

I very highly doubt that classifying something as a utility leads to stagnation: Furthermore, I would argue that with some utilities, it is a boon to us if we don't grow. We don't actually need electricity or water use to increase.

In addition, it is quite possible to have competition while still regulating something as a utility. Regulation is really more what the classifacation is about. You want clean water standards, companies that don't turn you off for being a few hours late, and so forth. This stuff is doubly important since in many areas, utilities are a natural monopoly. The classifacation can also ensure that the large companies venture out into small and rural cities and areas. Some folks in the US have only had home phone service less than 20 years despite such laws, after all, and I doubt they would without regulation.