Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

Did you log the complaint and what happened when you did?

What you describe is very common with utilities, and they have prevailed in doing this. Aside from any written agreements or contracts, there is a legal theory that the person who receives the benefit of loan, goods or services is liable to pay for it. Obviously, that includes your roommate who apparently skipped out on a prior debt (this should be a red flag for you). The utility is now being asked to provide your roommate with additional utility service on credit, regardless of who is on the bill, and they expect that before they do that his old bill is paid. Utilities are strict on this because they generally forced by law to provide service and extend credit to customers, and customers tend to try to put utilities in another name after they skipped out on a bill. Simple solution -- your roommate can pay their bills. If your roommate does not want to pay the bill, this should give you a pretty good indication of what you can expect from the person as far as paying your rent, utilities, etc.