You must live in a land where you pay for a service after you have received it
I assume the previous owners were disconnected at one time, through non payment or a dispute. If that happens it is standard to install pre pay meters.
I didn't think about checking when i purchased this house
At times, in the past, when i have been really broke it has meant i have to just sit here in the dark
i am annoyed that i didn't get chance to run up a hefty utility bill that i couldn't pay