393.550.  Definitions. — As used in sections 393.550 to 393.565, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Access demand notice", the notice required by section 393.553;

  (2)  "Denial of access", a failure or refusal by a utility customer in default to enable a utility company having a need for access to its utility meter to gain such access;

  (3)  "Need for access", the desire to obtain access for the purpose of terminating the supply of electricity, gas or water to a utility customer when:

  (a)  Such customer has failed to pay lawful charges for one or more of such utility services at the residence for such a period of time that the utility company seeking access has lawfully provided to such customer a written notice that the utility service provided by such utility company is subject to termination in accordance with then applicable laws and regulations, and while the cause for such notice still exists; and

  (b)  Utility service cannot be terminated to such customer without access to such customer's utility meter, except by terminating utility service to one or more other customers at the residence who are not subject to termination of utility service for failure to pay lawful charges for utility service;

  (4)  "Residence", a multifamily residential dwelling;

  (5)  "Utility company", an electrical corporation, a gas corporation or a water corporation subject to the jurisdiction, control and regulation of the Missouri public service commission and to the provisions of chapter 386;

  (6)  "Utility customer in default", a utility customer who has failed to pay lawful charges for utility services at the residence for the period of time referred to in paragraph (a) of subdivision (3) of this section;

  (7)  "Utility meter", the meter and any other property connected with the meter which are owned by the utility company.