Paying an electric bill and tipping a server are two totally different things. The only effect paying in pennies has on that clerk is that they have to count it, while getting paid, it will not affect their pay, unless of course they get overtime. But to use your example, if the server gave me good service, I am capable of using my brain to separate the server from the cook. However, if the server slams my food down and tells me tough s**t, just eat it, they will not be receiving a tip. This is the type of treatment I have received from my electric company, apparently only graduates from their asshole academy are allowed to answer their phones. I have no pity for any of those people and frankly I hope people treat them like crap because they treat the customers like crap so they deserve it.
This is just my experience. I generally treat any service workers the same way they treat me.

Am I the only one who thinks this guy rocks? After being shafted by my electric company for years now, I have no sympathy for the schmucks who work there. They knew the company was evil when they took the job. If they don't want to deal with customers who are angry about being screwed over by a company that they have no choice but to patronize, then I would suggest they get another job.
Good for you, Mr. Almany!