Electric company didn't shut off electric on nonpaying owner?

[John W.]

I recently bought a house and the owner had a bunch of liens on the house, but apparently gas and electric companies don't put liens on properties around here. I saw one of his recent electric bills while cleaning out the house and it was $1400 dollars. Why wouldn't National Grid just shut off the electric, is there some protection for low income homeowners or seniors? This house is in Buffalo.