Nowadays, smartphones and mobile devices are a part of our culture. It seems like everyone is connected on the go—whether they’re calling, texting, emailing or scrolling Facebook. Such communication freedom is a luxury we pay for, generally without grumbling.
So why is it that when it comes to electricity—a necessity in our modern world—many of us complain when the power bill comes every month? We expect electricity to be there at the flip of a switch, and when it’s not, it can be frustrating.
I’m no different—I expect the lights to come on every time, too. And as the manager of Trinity Valley Electric Cooperative, I have a special responsibility to make sure your electric service is safe, reliable and affordable. But I also believe that compared to other commodities, electricity remains a great value.
For example, over the past year, the cost of a loaf of white bread rose 16%, frozen vegetables are up 19% and margarine jumped 45%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Electricity prices, while up 8% over the same period, are much more stable. When you consider how reliable electricity is, the value goes up even more. TVEC provides access to electricity 24 hours a day, and we work hard to increase our service reliability and control costs through innovative technology.
Those smartphones I mentioned earlier? Nearly one-third of all U.S. households have four or more electronic devices plugged in and charging, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In fact, over the past 30 years, the amount of residential electricity used by appliances and electronics has increased from 17% to 31%. Cable and streaming devices, Wi-Fi routers, and multiple TVs have become the norm for many homes.
Clearly, our appetite for electricity shows no signs of slowing down. So the next time you flip a switch, charge your phone or run your washing machine, remember the value that electricity holds. And know that TVEC is looking out for you by working together to keep electric bills affordable, controlling costs through innovation and careful planning, and putting you, our members, first.
