What was true about gas and electric service in cities prior to the progressive era?

Prior to progressive era the companies could charge as much as they wanted. The progressive era is the time when there was a huge level activism on social and political reforms. It was the time from 1890s to 1920s when the progressive movement was on its peak to end issues related to industrialization and corruption etc.

the noble might have thought that the system was far because they had lot of things and riches and the serf would have thought that the feudal system was un fair because of the way they were treated.