In my area all work must be permitted and inspected, that being said in an emergency the utility will usually cut loose and re energize whatever I need at thier discression. The permit and inspection occur after the fact, and any repairs to sub code items come out of my pocket. This is emergency cases ONLY meaning after hours and on weekends, and usually only if there is no furnace and the owners cant go somewhere else, or for a medical reason( IV pump, Oxygen concentrator etc). The utilities, AHJs, and permit offices are really easy to deal with if you keep them in the loop, try to cut them out and you might as well move away. This is a small town and people do not soon forget.
