Living Off the Grid in the City Podcast. It is common for local electric companies to be monopolies and have influence over public utility commission members. This allows them to have almost absolute control over the electricity supply and affect the economy of a wide area. Although you don't have many options to change providers, the company can disconnect you if you don't pay. Additionally, non-payment can lead to threatening notices from your landlord, city, county or state and even eviction. The power company often behaves arrogantly and abusively, knowing that customers have nowhere to turn. In addition, they have a large and well-paid staff, and have considerable economic, social and political support. They have managed to establish close relationships with the officials in charge of regulating their performance. In short, power companies h ...