This review is for all the idiots that can't think through that natural gas is different than electricity, telephone or water. You can't just flip a switch and turn on gas. It is flammable, explosive and possibly dangerous. So what does a company like Southwest Gas do, they come to your house and verify your gas lines in your house, which are your responsibility so they are doing you a service, are leak free before they turn on your gas. They then come inside and make sure each appliance is working safely (last time I checked the water or electric company don't care if you have issues inside your house). Since they are about safety, they must field emergency calls about possible gas leaks all day that can also affect having short appointment windows.
All this takes time, thus why they might not have a technician to turn it on that day and you must plan ahead, but I wouldn't want anyone to take responsibility themselves and blame the utility. I'm sure you can also call your local utility commission and tell them you would like to pay higher gas bills each month to ensure that Southwest Gas has technicians sitting around twiddling their thumbs waiting for a call to turn someone on.
That way you can take no responsibility for your actions and not plan. Somehow I have moved multiple times around the country and find every gas company about the same, but people are just too self centered to think it through.
Southwest Gas does a good job getting you service set up and going as long as you plan ahead. Also they are right there if you ever think there is a gas leak.