As Deadbeats Soar, Utilities Quick to Pull Plug

Utilities are growing increasingly aggressive about shutting off the juice even as more customers struggle to pay their bills in a sinking economy, reports the Wall Street Journal. The trend has regulators and consumer advocates worried companies have become too focused on their bottom lines, but utilities say they’re battling rising costs and trying to keep shareholders happy.

Regulators say the growing number of disconnects—Pennsylvania’s PPL Corp. increased shutoffs 78% this year—has begun to hit middle-class consumers as well, exacerbated by rising utility rates. And experts expect it to get worse as the economy continues to sputter. Some regulators, like those in California, are reviewing shutoff criteria to make sure they’re fair.