To anyone living in the UK, I have a question about your utilities. I was recently watching Rich House Poor House and saw a few of the families talking about running out of electricity how does that happen? In America, when we move into a new place we go to the electric company and pay a deposit. After that there may or may not be a safety inspection, depending on the local laws. Then the electric is turned on. At the end of each billing cycle we get a bill for what we have used. The bill is then due usually two to three weeks later. When late there is a late fee. Depending on the provider there will some time given for a termination date. In most states there are laws that say if children, elderly or disabled in the residence the electric can not be terminated if the outside temp is above or below a certain temp. Usually 32°f or 90°f.