No, they are often present in properties where the tenants have had trouble paying the bills in the past for whatever reason. As I understand it, they are very difficult to get rid of even for new occupants.
The electricity supplier gets more for the same electricity at no risk. Thats not actually stupid.. but in my opinion, it is in some way evil.
> The electricity supplier gets more for the same electricity at no risk. Thats not actually stupid..
Yeah, I meant stupid as in, 'No person would take that "deal" if they could help it.' I guess the people who are taking this deal are forced to take it, and that does make it pretty bad (especially if you are a brand-new tenant who isn't actually connected to the previous one who had trouble paying).
Here in the US, my electric coop offers a pre-pay plan for those who can't afford a deposit or who have had their electric shutoff (or anyone else that wants it). I don't think it is any more expensive than the post paid service, though. They also offer a budget billing where they average your last 12 months of service and bill you the same amount each month.
The electricity supplier gets more for the same electricity at no risk. Thats not actually stupid.. but in my opinion, it is in some way evil.