What's the solution?
 

A 93 yr old man in Michigan didn't pay his electric bill. Medical examiner reports a "slow, painful death" after his power is shut off.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090126/...frozen_indoors

Is it his own fault? Should measures be in place to prevent this from happening?

I thought there were laws to prohibit an electric company from turning customers off in extreme weather. Maybe it's just an ethical code where I get my gas, but they don't shut people off in the winter.

Yeah there are laws against that, especially if they are elderly.

that sucks the poor old man

Yep.

Apparently he never notified the electric company.

They can't turn off power, by law, for elderly or a house with children. They ask you if you have children, or elderly in the home when you move/set up service.

There is going to be one serious lawsuit on this one.

:2 cents:

Damn what a poor guy.

sad story