(a) It shall be unlawful for any gas or electric utility company or electric membership corporation to cut off or suspend gas or electric service in any residence because the resident has failed to pay for or has failed to make timely payments for any appliance purchased from or any appliance repaired by such company or corporation. Payments received from a resident shall be first applied to the service, unless otherwise specified by the resident at the time of payment.

(b) Any company or corporation or any agent or employee thereof acting within the scope of his authority knowingly violating subsection (a) of this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.