Responsibility

I had my power turned off yesterday. It sucked. The power company claims they sent a ten day notice, but I never received it. I believe them, I just have crappy mail service here. I have had many items late or never delivered, so it doesn't surprize me. But I thought about it and asked the power company why they could not turn it back on and I would pay them Friday (payday). They said once a notice or letter or bill leaves their offices, it is no longer their responsibility. So I asked the question, what if I sent you out a check and you never received it? Who would be responsible? They replied that I would. "So you mean to tell me," I responded, "that if I do not get your letter to me, it is I that faces consequences ?" "Yes," they said. "And if you do not receive the check I sent you, it is ALSO I that faces the consequences?" "Yes," they said. "Well that doesn't seem fair, does it?"
Long silence.
Now, I will take full responsibility for not paying my bill. Other things came up and it was delayed. I will pay the late fees, surcharges, reconnect fees, etc., but I feel that if an error is made, responsibility must be accepted. Why does it sem that I am the only one accepting responsibility?
On a slight tangent:
If a government agency has the authority to take an action, does it not also seem that they should have the responsibility to ensure that the action taken is warrented? Isn't that what the Constitution is saying when it says that the PEOPLE of the U.S. have the right, nay DUTY, to hold it's governmet body responsible or to replace the officials, or the entire government, with one that operates fairly? Justly? In the interests of the spoken majority???
Common sense isn't so common after all, huh?