Credit check for electricity contract?

Hi guys!

I have signed a lease for an apartment and when I signed up with an electricity company yesterday they said they couldn't sign me up as I didn't have any credit history. Only ways around it were a guarantee from a parent / guardian (as they don't live here they don't have credit history either, so impossible) or sending through three old utility bills in my name - but at my last places they were included in my rent or on the name of a roommate so I don't have these either!

Is this the same for all electricity companies?

Thanks!

I think (some?) companies will let you pay a bond (security deposit) if you don't have a credit history, you might need to phone around and ask.