This is all news to me. It seems like it would be tough to prevent people from just using the power that's going to that box.

I guess I'm out of touch, because I've never heard of anything like this. I've had my power turned off for non-payment before, but I had to talk to someone at the utility to get it switched back on.

I don't think I've ever actually seen one. I only know about this style of electricity utility because it was a part of a Mr Bean episode once.