California Takes Steps To Prevent Utility Shutoffs

"California became the latest state to restrict utility shutoffs this winter, fearing that many consumers won't be able to afford skyrocketing natural-gas costs for heating. This means that utitity companies cannot terminate service to customers who pay at least half of their bill amounts and who agree to deferred-payment plans... Although many states are trying to do more to help poor households, some blanch at the fact that it means costs not paid by some consumers must be borne by others. In California's case, millions of dollars in gas costs will be redistributed to people who pay their bills in full, equivalent to a rate increase of about half a percentage point."

Do you think that states should help the people who can't afford heating? and if so, should the consumers who can afford to pay their bills in full have to bear the responsibility?