What if they can't afford to pay for what they need to stay alive? Poverty is a social issue and must be fixed by social means. In the meantime, the more fortunate can protect the lives and human rights of the poor by redistributing their surplus.

> In the meantime, the more fortunate can protect the lives and human rights of the poor by redistributing their surplus.

Seems like that's exactly what's happening here...

> "The Utilities Consumer Advocate works with any customers who do experience shut offs in the spring and summer to ensure that they do not go into the winter season without electricity or natural gas services," said the minister of natural gas and electricity's press secretary, Taylor Hides, in a statement.

So people not being able to pay for heat is the economic arrangement working as intended? You don't think that's worse?

People being unable to pay their bills may be due to "flawed economic arrangements," it may be due to an act of God, or it may be up to their own irresponsible behavior.

Assuming it is only due to the first is dogmatic.