I can stop paying my electricity bill in november and our state's utility companies CANNOT cut me off until the spring, because without heat I would literally die in Maine. There are similar laws for gas utilities.
I can have a billion dollar bill with Verizon, but if I dial 911, they are legally obligated to connect me to emergency services.
Also, ask people who work for utility companies how well any of this works to actually compel payment from the kind of people who are good at abusing debt.
Answer: Fucking not at all. My brother worked for the cable company, rather limited regulation in terms of requiring the company to continue servicing someone who was delinquent. 95% of his job was still disconnects, often involving someone showing up to the door with their rifle to make a point.
I can stop paying my electricity bill in november and our state's utility companies CANNOT cut me off until the spring, because without heat I would literally die in Maine. There are similar laws for gas utilities.
I can have a billion dollar bill with Verizon, but if I dial 911, they are legally obligated to connect me to emergency services.
Also, ask people who work for utility companies how well any of this works to actually compel payment from the kind of people who are good at abusing debt.
Answer: Fucking not at all. My brother worked for the cable company, rather limited regulation in terms of requiring the company to continue servicing someone who was delinquent. 95% of his job was still disconnects, often involving someone showing up to the door with their rifle to make a point.