When would your water & power be turned off?

Calling the companies and telling them that the bills can not be paid now will help. The companies will work with you. If you are in the US, they will make a plan for payments.

If they are cut off there will be a reconnect charge.

If there is a baby in the house that will help. The baby will be taken into consideration by the electric company.

you can get behind in water and sewer bills for almost a year, 3 or 4 months anyway most places.

Power and gas bill on the other had are pay up or lights out. They usually have to get to a certain point before they send a shut off notice. 300 to 500 dollars or like 3 months behind without making a payment.

The notice will give you two weeks to pay then you call them and request an extension on the shut-off notice.

There is a simple solution. Just don't worry about it and get used to it. You should at least call them and report a payment that you plan to make or have already made. Remember "the check is in the mail". That works often too. Call them they will be happy to work with you no matter how delinquent your bills are. They need you to stay a customer..

Most utility companies will work with you if you call them. They may even agree not to assess a late fee if, say, you can give them a post-dated check. But your best bet is to call BEFORE the bill is due, and they'll probably work with you. Especially if you have a good payment history with them--they want to keep good customers happy!