Landlord obligated to pay stolen electric bill?

[Mark Elliott]

Hello BP folks,

I recently took over a mobile home park. A tenant purchased a mobile home from the previous owner there. I guess last year someone stole electricity from this mobile home when it was unoccupied.

Duke power is now saying that the owner of the land should pay for the stolen power ($1900 worth) before they allow the new tenant to have electricity? 

I don't think Duke notified the previous owner of the park of the stolen electricity or gave them an opportunity to correct the issue. I'm not sure how a land owner would even know if power was being stolen or paid for?!?

Duke will not budge, how can I get this issue resolved?