kingofheroes

Because the infrastructure that is needed to both generate and distribute electricity (thus making it "usable") is often partially or fully state funded. I think thats the case even in the United States; while power companies are privately owned, the cost of building new electrical infrastructure is often subsidized by city and/or state governments.

I feel like that was deliberate

I generally agree. Though I would imagine banning a specific activity (smoking) is significantly easier than banning a pattern of behavior (overeating).