Around here, the prospective buyers are responsible for turning the utilities back on for the inspection. Those responsible for for REO properties aren't generally real accommodating. I strongly encourage the prospective buyers get the utilities on even when they carp about the expense.

The one piece of advice I would offer inspectors (and this probably only applies to newer ones) would be DO NOT turn the water on at the meter even if the seller says it's OK. Against my stated policy -- and in an attempt to be helpful with serious pressure from the buyer and both agents involved-- I did so. Once. A DIY CPVC fitting on the water supply for the clothes washer rocketed off and water geysered up and flooded the laundry room. I always carry a few towels with me for minor issues. I had to use them all this time. Fortunately, no one ever asked me to pay for any sort of repairs.