White Lightning Axiom: Redux

Under a bill signed into law last month by Gov. Rendell, utilities can shut off service to all but their poorest customers at any time of year.
No PUC approval is necessary.
PECO Energy and other utility companies joined the city-owned Gas Works in pushing for the bill. They said that despite the fearsome consequences of winter shutoffs - not just deaths, but fires from space heaters and property abandonment - change was needed to counter loopholes that give some people a free ride at the expense of paying customers.
Since Jan. 10, the Gas Works has sent out more than 5,000 warnings to delinquent customers who could face shutoff. Spokesman Douglas Oliver said that PGW cut off service last week to 16 households - the first winter terminations in decades not to require PUC approval.
Oliver said the Gas Works was setting its initial sights on the worst cases: people who owe large amounts and have income that is at least three times the federal poverty rate.
And for now, PGW is targeting households that have no members 12 or under or 65 or over.
But it is not making any promises.