Utility companies are NOT allowed to stop your service simply because you have filed for bankruptcy or because at the time you file you owe them money. That said, if you fail to provide them with either a sufficient deposit or some other indication that you will pay, within 20 days of filing, they are allowed to stop your service, according to the Bankruptcy Code. There are also probably additional state laws that restrict when utilities can be shut off. The most common restrictions involve not allowing utility companies to stop service during the winter months, if that would deprive you of necessary heat. Some states do not allow deposits to be required by certain utilities.