To be fair, if it got to that point even a internally located meter (like in some older houses pre ~1950s here) would be an issue since as long as your house is connected to the grid, there's bound to be some means to shut off power to your house, either at the power pole, or at the pad mount transformer.
The way to circumvent this would be to install a off grid power system, either ironically wind/solar or just a onsite gas powered generator.
Over here I believe they can only shut off your power if you don't pay the bill, and only during the warmer months. During the colder months, instead of shutting your power completely, they'll put a limiter on your power meter that only gives you limited power, typically 120V 15A. Enough to run the furnace so you won't freeze and some lights but nothing else.