memphis light gas water div craft argued november decided may two separate sets gas electric meters newly purchased house respondents year moving received separate monthly bills set meters municipal utility period respondents utility service terminated five times nonpayment bills despite respondent wife efforts determine cause double billing unable obtain satisfactory explanation suggestion recourse utility employees bill contained final notice stating payment overdue service discontinued payment made certain date apprise respondents availability procedure discussing dispute designated personnel authorized review disputed bills correct errors respondents brought class action federal district seeking declaratory injunctive relief damages utility several officers employees terminations utility service allegedly without due process law refusing certify action class action district determined respondents claim entitlement continued utility service implicate property interest protected fourteenth amendment event utility termination procedures comported due process affirming district refusal certify class action appeals held procedures accorded respondents comport due process held although respondents remaining plaintiffs apparently longer desire hearing resolve continuing dispute bills problem clarified litigation aver present threat termination service claim actual punitive damages arising terminations service saves cause bar mootness pp applicable tennessee decisional law draws line utility bills subject bona fide dispute utility may terminate service cause hence respondents assert legitimate claim entitlement within protection due process clause fourteenth amendment pp petitioners deprived respondents interest property without due process law pp notice case kind comport constitutional requirements advise customer availability administrative procedure protesting threatened termination utility services unjustified since notice given respondents despite good faith efforts part accorded due notice pp due process requires minimum provision opportunity presenting designated personnel empowered rectify error customer complaint overcharged charged services rendered procedure made available respondents customer interest services terminated risk erroneous deprivation services insubstantial utility interests incompatible affording notice procedure described mathews eldridge pp available remedies pretermination injunction suit damages action refund suffice cure inadequacy petitioner utility procedures cessation essential utility services appreciable time works uniquely final deprivation judicial remedies particularly unsuited resolve factual disputes typically involving sums small justify engaging counsel bringing lawsuit pp powell delivered opinion brennan stewart white marshall blackmun joined stevens filed dissenting opinion burger rehnquist joined post frierson graves argued cause filed brief petitioners thomas daniel argued cause respondents brief elliot taubman bruce mayor david sive filed brief national council churches christ amicus curiae justice powell delivered opinion action brought homeowners memphis seeking declaratory injunctive relief damages municipal utility several officers employees termination utility service allegedly without due process law district determined respondents claim entitlement continued utility service implicate property interest protected fourteenth amendment event utility termination procedures comported due process appeals reversed part granted certiorari consider constitutional question importance operation municipal utilities throughout nation memphis light gas water division mlg division city memphis provides utility service directed board commissioners appointed city council subject ultimate control municipal government municipal utility mlg enjoys statutory exemption regulation state public service commission code ann willie mary craft respondents reside alaska street memphis crafts moved residence october noticed two separate gas electric meters one water meter serving premises residence used previously duplex crafts assumed basis information seller second set meters inoperative crafts began receiving two bills regular bill second bill account number name willie craft opposed willie craft separate monthly bills received set meters city service fee appearing bill october learning mlg meter reader sets meters running home crafts hired private plumber electrical contractor combine meters one gas one electric meter contractor consolidate meters properly condition crafts aware continued receive two bills january period crafts utility service terminated five times nonpayment several occasions mrs craft missed work went mlg offices order resolve double billing problem found district mrs craft sought good faith determine cause double billing unable obtain satisfactory explanation suggestion recourse mlg employees noted one occasion mrs craft attempting avert utilities termination final notice called defendant offices explained paid bill given satisfaction procedure opportunity talk management adequately explained mrs craft although repeatedly tried get explanation problems two bills possible duplicate charges pet cert appeal appeals sixth circuit affirmed district refusal certify class action held procedures accorded crafts comport due process july petitioners sought writ certiorari determine whether termination policies municipal utility constitute state action fourteenth amendment ii whether municipal utility termination service nonpayment deprives customer property within meaning due process clause iii assuming state action property interest whether mlg procedures afforded due process law case february granted certiorari affirm ii outset question mootness although parties addressed question briefs may stipulation invoke judicial power litigation present actual case controversy richardson ramirez sosna iowa case comes us remaining plaintiffs respondents willie mary craft since appeals affirmed district refusal certify class existence continuing case controversy depends entirely claims respondents cf sosna iowa supra appears respondents longer desire hearing resolve continuing dispute bills problem clarified litigation respondents aver present threat termination service injunction issue plaintiff established conduct sought enjoined illegal defendant enjoined engage conduct transportation union michigan bar respondents insist however case moot seek damages declaratory relief dispute occasioned suit capable repetition yet evading review tr oral arg need decide whether case falls within special rule developed southern pacific terminal icc see moore ogilvie roe wade permit consideration questions nature likely survive course normal litigation respondents claim actual punitive damages arising mlg terminations service saves cause bar mootness cf powell mccormack although express opinion validity respondents claim damages claim insubstantial clearly foreclosed prior decisions case may proceed iii fourteenth amendment places procedural constraints actions government work deprivation interests enjoying stature property within meaning due process clause although underlying substantive interest created independent source state law federal constitutional law determines whether interest rises level legitimate claim entitlement protected due process clause board regents roth perry sindermann outcome inquiry clear case defining public utility privilege terminate nonpayment proper charges tennessee decisional law draws line utility bills subject bona fide dispute company supplying electricity public right cut service customer nonpayment service bill company may adopt rule effect exception general rule exists customer bona fide dispute concerning correctness bill steele clinton electric light power see also public utilities services sec public utility discontinues service nonpayment disputed amount peril public utility wrong customer overcharged liable damages sims alabama water trigg middle tennessee electric membership app cert denied sup mar state law permit public utility terminate service cf bishop wood mlg public utilities tennessee obligated provide service inhabitants city location alike without discrimination without denial except good sufficient cause farmer nashville may terminate service except nonpayment service bill trigg aggrieved customer may able enjoin wrongful threat terminate bring subsequent action damages refund ibid availability remedies evidence state recognition protected interest although customer right continued service conditioned upon payment charges properly due fourteenth amendment protection property never interpreted safeguard rights undisputed ownership fuentes shevin petitioners may terminate service cause respondents assert legitimate claim entitlement within protection due process clause iv determining process due case extent inquiry shaped ruling appeals need go deciding case ascertain whether appeals properly read due process clause require notice informing customer possibility termination also procedure challenging disputed bill ii established procedure resolution disputes specified avenue relief customers dispute existence liability elementary fundamental requirement due process proceeding accorded finality notice reasonably calculated circumstances apprise interested parties pendency action afford opportunity present objections mullane central hanover trust citations omitted issue whether due process requires municipal utility notify customer availability avenue redress within organization wish contest particular charge appeals noted assurance crafts mailed mentioned flyer implicitly affirmed district finding mrs craft never apprised availability procedure discussing dispute management district description mrs craft repeated efforts obtain information appeared unjustified double billing good faith efforts pay crafts utilities well straighten problem makes clear adequately notified procedures asserted available time petitioners notification procedure adequate apprise crafts threat termination service reasonably calculated inform availability opportunity present objections bills mullane central hanover trust supra purpose notice due process clause apprise affected individual permit adequate preparation impending hearing notice case kind comport constitutional requirements advise customer availability procedure protesting proposed termination utility service unjustified notice given respondents despite good faith efforts part deprived notice due consistently held kind hearing required time person finally deprived property interests wolff mcdonnell agree appeals due process requires provision opportunity presentation designated employee customer complaint overcharged charged services rendered whether procedure may available mlg customers courts found made available mrs craft petitioners made requisite showing overturning concurrent findings fact two courts graver tank mfg linde air products decision mathews eldridge provides framework analysis determining specific dictates due process case ur prior decisions indicate identification specific dictates due process generally requires consideration three distinct factors first private interest affected official action second risk erroneous deprivation interest procedures used probable value additional substitute procedural safeguards finally government interest including function involved fiscal administrative burdens additional substitute procedural requirement entail utility interests incompatible affording notice procedure described quite apart duty public service company utility business interests may expected make reasonable efforts minimize billing errors resulting customer dissatisfaction possible injury cf goss lopez kind hearing prove burdensome opportunity meeting responsible employee empowered resolve dispute afforded well advance scheduled date termination petitioners retain option terminate service affording opportunity concluding amount billed justly due petitioners contend available remedies pretermination injunction suit damages action refund sufficient cure perceived inadequacy mlg procedures ordinarily due process law requires opportunity kind hearing prior deprivation significant property interest see boddie connecticut occasion recognized potential length severity deprivation indicate likelihood serious loss procedures underlying decision act sufficiently reliable minimize risk erroneous determination government may act without providing additional advance procedural safeguards ingraham wright see mathews eldridge supra factors justified exceptions requirement prior process present although utility service may restored ultimately cessation essential services appreciable time works uniquely final deprivation cf stanley illinois moreover probability error utility cutoff decisions insubstantial warrant dispensing process prior termination injunction remedy referred petitioners adequate substitute pretermination review disputed bill designated employee many decisions area required additional procedures due process notwithstanding apparent availability injunctive relief recovery provisions thought remedies likely bounded procedural constraints susceptible delay provide effective safeguard erroneous deprivation considerations applicable utility termination context equitable remedies particularly unsuited resolution factual disputes typically involving sums money small justify engaging counsel bringing lawsuit action equity halt improper termination less likely pursued less likely effective even pursued provide assurance accurate decisionmaking adequate administrative procedure circumstances informal administrative remedy along lines suggested constitutes process due failure provide notice reasonably calculated apprise respondents availability administrative procedure consider complaint erroneous billing failure afford opportunity present complaint designated employee empowered review disputed bills rectify error petitioners deprived respondents interest property without due process law judgment appeals affirmed footnotes brought original action crafts remain parties sought review rulings made respect plaintiffs city service fee separate item regular utility bill required municipal ordinance district conclusion advanced little explanation reference mlg credit extension program earlier discussion opinion offered description utility procedures first listed steps involved termination approximately four days meter reading date bill mailed service location address designated customer last day pay net amount approximately days meter reading date ii approximately days meters read final notice mailed stating services disconnected within four days payment received provision payment made iii electric service terminated meter reader unless customer assures payment mail shows paid receipt explains nonpayment due illness communication prior termination meter reader serviceman instructed leave cutoff notice giving information restoration service iv approximately five days electric service cutoff remaining services terminated customer paid bill made arrangements payment pet cert also noted march mlg instituted extended payment plan generous program allows customers able demonstrate financial hardship pay past due bill balance paid equal installments next three bills plaintiffs action participants plan finally observed mlg provided procedure resolution disputed bills credit counselors assist customers difficulty payments disputes concerning bills mlg counselors satisfy customer customer referred management personnel generally chief clerk department supervisor credit collection addition dissatisfied customer may appeal board commissioners mlg complaints regarding bills service termination service matter relating operation division customer may desires accompanied appropriate representative billing customers determination final notice sent termination service governed policies rules regulations adopted approved board commissioners mlg order filed december acknowledged defendants issued recommended credit instituted new procedures give definitive adequate notice customers possible impending services see infra petitioners abandoned contention state action present case brief petitioners action filed crafts able discover continued receive double computer billings mlg failed combine two accounts properly result double computer billings mlg overcharged gas service city service fees brief respondents district found balance claimed mlg march involved possible gas overcharges double duplicate billings respect city service fees pet cert presumably respondents also seek recovery loss pay occasioned mrs craft several visits offices mlg unnecessary effectual relief afforded requested urging mootness petitioners assert compliance district recommendation credit issued crafts removes claim damages case understand district suggestion award damages validity damages claim matter initial determination courts tennessee formulation public utility privilege terminate service nonpayment undisputed charge accord rule see generally jur public utilities note duty public utility render adequate service scope enforcement colum rev petitioners attempt avoid force trigg referring several tennessee decisions state general rule utility may terminate service nonpayment undisputed charges noncompliance reasonable rules regulations authorities however cast doubt upon exception recognized trigg customer tenders undisputed amount withholds complete payment bona fide dispute see patterson chattanooga farmer nashville jones nashville crumley watauga water watauga water wolfe petitioners also rely lindsey normet upheld oregon statute required tenant seeking continuance eviction hearing post security accruing rent continuance limited issues triable eviction proceeding questions physical possession forcible withholding legal right possession reliance misplaced first merely held oregon procedures comported due process without intimating tenant claim continued possession rent dispute failed implicate property interest second tenant post security order remain possession hearing rather post security order obtain continuance hearing tenant deprived possessory interest even one day without opportunity hearing fuentes shevin emphasis original arnett kennedy concluded employee discharged cause property interest entitled constitutional protection bishop wood see arnett kennedy supra powell concurring part cf board regents roth appeals refer earlier decision palmer columbia gas ohio approved comprehensive remedy due process violation including investigation every communicated protest management official provision hearing official opportunity stay termination upon posting appropriate bond procedures fashioned response findings based uncontradicted evidence hostility arrogance part clerical employees findings made appeals ruling purport require similar remedy case respondents request certain additional procedures impartial decision maker may responsible company official opportunity present information rebut records presented written decision apparently rendered termination payment tr oral arg brief respondents respondents cf strunk decide whether circumstances additional procedures may appropriate note magnitude numbers complaints overcharge relevant factor determining appropriateness formal procedures approve case resolution disputed bill normally presents limited factual issue susceptible informal resolution understand district reference opportunity talk management implying necessarily mrs craft given opportunity discuss bills corporate officers mlg rather point mrs craft informed opportunity meet designated personnel duly authorized review disputed bills complaining customers correct errors pet cert william mullen mlg testified utility processed high bill complaints app conceded however description dispute resolution process ever distributed utility customers indication record written account procedure accessible customers complaints bills mrs craft case reveals opportunity invoke procedure existed depended vagaries word mouth referral see wolff mcdonnell morrissey brewer gault committee mcgrath frankfurter concurring dissenting opinion justice stevens asserts decision trivializes procedural due process post recognizing information helpful dissent hold homeowner surely need told complain error utility bill post different context person threatened deprivation protected interest need told complain prior decisions make clear ue process flexible calls procedural protections particular situation demands morrissey brewer supra mathews eldridge particular circumstances threat discontinue utility service homeowner left plight described district case indeed dissent view identifies constitutional flaw petitioners notice procedure crafts told unless double bills paid certain date electricity cut appeals held skeletal notice advise procedure challenging disputed bills notice may well adequate different circumstances however notice given thousands customers various levels education experience resources lay consumers electric service uninterrupted continuity essential health safety informed clearly availability opportunity present complaint essence recipients cutoff notice told hours day disputed bills appropriately may considered dissent restrictive view process due context case erect artificial barrier notice hearing components constitutional guarantee due process petitioners moved clarify regularize notice procedure possible revised notice presently afforded may entirely adequate developed response suggestion made district lists methods contact part trained credit counselors available clear questions discuss disputed bills make needed adjustments supervisors management personnel available satisfied answers solutions given credit counselors app also note tennessee law requires board supervisors independent utility district opposed utility division municipality maintain set rules regulations regarding adjustment complaints may made district concerning adjustment bills rules posted otherwise available convenient inspection customers members public offices district code ann supp hearing essence demands entitled shall right support allegations argument however brief need proof however informal londoner denver opportunity informal consultation designated personnel empowered correct mistaken determination constitutes due process hearing appropriate circumstances see goss lopez see generally friendly kind hearing rev goss lopez supra noted informal disciplinary procedure obtaining particular high school followed case dissent advances reading record case offers justification sidestepping determinations made dispute district found procedure opportunity talk management adequately explained mrs craft see post trial also expressed measure disquietude treatment accorded mrs craft suggested credit reimburse respondents duplicate unnecessary charges made expenses incurred respect terminations unnecessary effectual relief afforded requested appeals even explicit criticism mlg procedures notices relied upon dissent post found inadequate mlg notice fails mention dispute concerning amount due might resolved discussion representatives company warns customer pay face termination appeals found absence constitutional hearing sound way read statement utility provides avenue customers dispute existence liability crafts findings undermined dissent suggests mrs craft ability ultimately glean understanding billing problem several trips mlg office district words repeatedly tried get explanation problems two bills possible duplicate charges placed question fact employee uncertain authority told mrs craft apparently without explanation attempt investigation ell pay bill app fundamental fairness simply considerations courteous treatment customers post informs constitutional requirement notice actual provision timely opportunity meet designated personnel duly authorized review disputed bills correct errors recent years congress concerned problems computer error see billing errors consumer credit transactions senate committee government operations problems associated computer technology federal programs private industry computer abuses sess comm print see palmer columbia gas ohio davis weir bronson consolidated edison new york supp sdny complaints investigated new york public service commission resulted adjustments favor customer petitioners provide least period mailing bill actual termination service brief petitioners unlikely informal procedure required case occasion material delay payment public utility enjoys broad discretion scheduling structuring hearing provided customer afforded adequate time effective presentation complaint prior termination contention advanced obliquely appeals brief appellees ingraham held advance procedural safeguards constitutionally required context disciplinary paddling schools ability teacher observe directly infraction question openness school environment visibility confrontation students faculty likelihood parental reaction unreasonable punishment gave assurance risk child paddled without cause typically insignificant similarly dixon love held evidentiary hearing need precede revocation driver license based repeated traffic offenses within previous period appellee opportunity full judicial hearing connection traffic convictions decision based petitioners assert obligation provide nondiscriminatory service customers continued provision service delinquent customer pending informal hearing involve discriminating ratepayer tr oral arg far clear material delay payment occur informal conference scheduled well advance date termination see supra event demonstrated mlg credit plan see supra delayed payment nonpayment means available mlg recover least costs hearing see app imposition gross rather net charges late payment see goss lopez north georgia finishing fuentes shevin sniadach family finance harlan concurring bell burson dissent intimates due process satisfied case customer always avoid termination simple expedient paying disputed bill claiming refund post point ignores predicament confronting many individuals lack means pay additional unanticipated utility expenses even mlg admirable credit procedures customer must make immediate payment disputed past due bill balance paid three equal installments addition current charges contrary dissent suggestion decision lindsey normet uphold procedure conditioned tenant continued possession payment back rent obligation disputed post procedure upheld lindsey certain tenant defenses excluded landlord still prove nonpayment rent due holding contrary covenant lease tenant deprived possession see supra understanding informs privilege utility terminate service nonpayment charges obvious reason privilege limit remedy collection compensation service actions law impracticable leading infinite number actions collect small bills scattered consumers many mere renters financially irresponsible steele clinton electric light power see jones nashville early wisconsin held state attorney general obtain injunction public utility threatening wrongful termination private persons unlikely take action correct little wrongs go far make measure average prosperity life attorney general chicago justice stevens chief justice justice rehnquist join dissenting judgment holding confuses trivializes principle state may deprive person life liberty property without due process law quarrel conclusion matter tennessee law customer legitimate claim entitlement continued utility services long undisputed portions utility bills paid reason municipality may terminate utility service without giving customer fair opportunity avoid termination either paying bill questioning accuracy agree however record discloses constitutional defect termination procedures employed light gas water division city memphis division focuses two aspects division collection procedures first according division standard form termination notice adequately inform customer availability procedure protesting proposed termination service unjustified ante second division afford customers adequate opportunity meet employee authority settle billing disputes ante whether consider evidence describing unusual dispute crafts division evidence concerning general operation division collection procedures find basis concluding either criticisms justified conclusion constitutional violation proved truly extraordinary although details dispute crafts division obscure record describes division customary practices detail month division terminates service customers terminations preceded written notice advising customer date payment must made avoid cutoff requesting customer contact credit collections department difficulty paying bill notices contain prominent legend phone information center district find division notice defective respect regular practices adequate handle crafts unusual problems crafts dispute division stemmed use two sets meters measure utility consumption different parts crafts home ante crafts believing billed twice utilities pay second account fact two accounts independent crafts refused pay balance second account division terminated service several occasions district expressly found division sent final notice termination district find mrs craft unable meet credit department personnel possessing adequate authority make adjustment bill successful working arrangement apparently unable amount bills reduced record therefore indicates mrs craft meet division employees adequate authority simply failed persuade error bills constitutional objection division notice rests entirely classic statement mullane central hanover trust elementary fundamental requirement due process proceeding accorded finality notice reasonably calculated circumstances apprise interested parties pendency action afford opportunity present objections doubt may situations two essentials sufficient constitute fair notice example notice describes threatened loss follow prescheduled hearing must also inform recipient time place hearing understand require municipal utilities schedule hearing termination notice mailed seems assume hearing kind necessary unless customer reason believe overcharged customer may protest bill either two ways may communicate directly utility may seek relief case finds division notice constitutionally defective describe former alternative division must advise customer availability procedure protesting proposed termination utility service unjustified ante advice much less valuable customer explanation legal remedies available wrongful termination occur yet wisely avoids holding customer must given sort legal advice advice require wholly unnecessary unusual situations homeowner surely need told complain error utility bill course helpful include telephone number office address termination notice democratic government cease function seems assume citizenry unable find information initiative holding division notice constitutionally defective rests paternalistic predicate accept even accepting predicate notice advises customers call information center adequate seems clear advising customers call normal business hours dispute resolution center manned personnel cure constitutional objection distinctions small magnitude appropriate concern administrative rulemaking trivial identify constitutional error ii pronouncement due process requires provision opportunity presentation designated employee customer complaint overcharged charged services rendered ante equally divorced facts case division processes complaints excess charges year designated scores employees hear investigate complaints except crafts troubles nothing record suggest division customers denied access employees employees lack power deal appropriately meritorious complaints indeed already noted finding either courts crafts meet responsible officials empowered resolve dispute although pronouncement case therefore gratuitous dismissed harmless warns municipal utilities unless provide kind hearing may acting unconstitutionally additional procedural safeguards constitutionally required difficult discern deciding process due relies two quite different hypothetical considerations first stresses fact disconnection water heating may threaten health safety ante second discounts value protection afforded available judicial remedies factual disputes typically involve sums money small justify engaging counsel bringing lawsuit ante neither examples disclosed record crafts dispute involved relatively small amount obtain counsel thereafter encountered billing problems although division terminations number month record reveal actual case harm health safety district found division discontinue service illness home since customer always avoid termination simple expedient paying disputed bill claiming refund surprising real emergency case rare indeed exists true emergency present serious threat health safety customer ample motivation take important step consulting counsel filing suit even amount disputed bill small potential loss utility service sufficiently grievous qualify constitutional deprivation hardly petty justify invoking aid counsel judiciary conversely routine billing disputes petty bench bar hardly merit extraordinary constitutional protection even customer consult counsel specific case potential damages remedy nevertheless provides far significant protection unjustified termination vague requirement kind hearing without threat damages liability mistakes informal procedures required today neither qualify utility ultimate power enforce collection terminating service deter exercise power hand even without specific informal procedures danger substantial liability ensure careful attention genuine customer disputes utility potential liability therefore provides customers real pretermination protection even though damages may recovered later need procedural innovation demonstrated record judicial proceeding rather justified basis hypothetical examples information gleaned cases us legislative reports see ante nn justifications suggest new rule product policy determination rather traditional construction constitution judges experience appraising fairness legal remedies judicial proceedings similar ability balance cost scheduling thousands billing conferences benefit providing additional protection occasional customer may unable forestall unjustified termination unfortunate fact state assesses taxes operates utility occasionally overcharges citizen also unfortunate effective collection procedures sometimes require citizen pay unjust charge order forestall serious deprivation property state given citizen fair notice afforded procedural redress entirely adequate invoked lawyer demands due process clause satisfied believe constitution requires state employ procedures simple every lay person always act effectively without assistance counsel respectfully dissent six months september february delinquent cutoffs app request contact credit department contained enclosed flyer also identifies appropriate neighborhood location visited credit assistance see app information center employees may also refer customers complain high bill special unit sends investigators check possible leaks defects meter trial judge evidently accepted division claim engaged split billing rather double billing judge express hope matter simple equity division issue credit cover duplicate unnecessary charges expenses incurred respect termination amounts challenged crafts result double billing considerably larger reference duplicate charges apparently concerns per month city service fee charged set meters duplex consolidated unnecessary expense reference apparently covers time lost work mrs craft trying straighten billing cost attributable termination district appears persuaded costs avoided crafts given help early stages dispute district stated procedure opportunity talk management adequately explained mrs craft district evaluating division explanation procedures statement mean mrs craft never met responsible official able resolve dispute worth remembering crafts problem eventually solved solution effected division employee empowered moreover mrs craft testified direct examination cut went division office record payments one account told pay account well words official division resolve crafts dispute correctly turned see supra division procedures unconstitutional even assumed division employees like federal judges occasionally discourteous occasionally make mistakes due process clause guarantee correct courteous resolution every dispute tells customer cutoff imminent allows customer enough time avoid cutoff paying protest contacting information center beginning legal action see nn supra careful reading decision decision indicates modified well affirmed sixth circuit view procedural due process utility context appeals thought case controlled earlier decision palmer columbia gas ohio palmer ordered cutoff notices delivered personally utility servicemen sent certified mail return receipt requested notice tell customers available credit programs well possible procedures ibid palmer also specified utility hearing officer send certified mail written individual response every complaining customer authorizing cutoff although division failure observe procedures foundation appeals ruling quite clearly approve lower view procedures constitutionally mandated constitutional objection requiring tenant pay disputed charge order retain possession home understand serious objection requiring payment lesser charge order retain utility service lindsey normet tenant sought defend possessory action brought landlord nonpayment rent ground premises uninhabitable therefore obligation pay rent state law permit defense possessory action order litigate particular dispute tenant bring action landlord tenant fact paid disputed rent landlord prevail possessory action thus order retain possession litigating dispute tenant pay accruing rent requirement upheld lindsey supra also pay back rent obligation disputed pay back rent lose possessory action therefore lose possession prosecuting suit landlord thus sustained procedure required payment disputed charge order maintain status quo litigating dispute even customer unable pay bill full may forestall termination partial payment ante perhaps fashions rule benefit customers unable make even partial payment persons pay current undisputed bills service may terminated despite bona fide dispute past bill one constitutional right free utility service