How does a buyer make sure there are no hidden utility bills before?
You require a paid receipt for the current account up to closing and make all arrangements for the new account in your name which will include a meter reading on the day of closing. The closing may include an itemized credit for whatever the utility account reflects on the day of closing. That might include a credit to seller if the closing of his account amounted to more than was found due at the reading to close/open the account for the service location.