What term refers to the cooperation between utilities for cost sharing?

The term that refers to the cooperation between utilities for cost sharing is "Joint." This term is widely used in the utility industry to describe situations where two or more utility companies work together to share the costs and resources associated with infrastructure projects, maintenance, or other operational activities. Joint efforts can lead to more efficient use of funds, reduced overall costs, and improved service delivery to customers as utilities can leverage their combined strengths.

In practice, when utilities enter into a joint agreement, they might collaborate on a new transmission line project, share the expenses of upgrading shared facilities, or coordinate on emergency response efforts. This cooperative approach allows utilities to achieve economies of scale that would be difficult to attain individually.

The other terms—Shared, Combined, and Collective—do not specifically capture the essence of the formal agreements and arrangements that characterize joint ventures or partnerships in the utility sector. While they may imply some level of cooperation, they lack the industry-specific context and operational implications that "Joint" conveys.