Most of us use electricity, either directly or indirectly, almost always. Because electricity is abundant and available with the simple flip of a switch, it’s easy to take it for granted. 

According to the Energy Information Agency (EIA), the typical U.S. household uses more air conditioning, appliances, and consumer electronics than ever before. The average home also contains ten or more internet-connected devices. Considering everything that is powered by electricity, it’s no wonder we occasionally might wince at our monthly bill. But remember, it’s no longer just the “light bill.”

Electricity powers  quality of life

Electricity powers our quality of life. From the infrastructure of your home (appliances, water heater, and HVAC system) to charging your smartphones, computers, TV, and Wi-Fi router, your energy bill covers so much more than lighting. 

Today, there is more demand for electricity than ever before. The need for electricity is increasing at home, in schools and businesses, and in commercial sectors such as transportation. 

Typically when demand increases, so does the price, as is the case with most goods or services, like cable or even your favorite specialty coffee. However, that’s not true with electricity. Let’s look at how electricity’s value compares to other ordinary expenses. 

Across our nation, over the last five years, the cost of rent increased 3.4%, medical care increased 2.8%, and education increased 2.2%. But the cost of electricity only increased by 1%.

As a Jones-Onslow member, you pay the second lowest cost for 1,000 kilowatt-hours in North Carolina. And while members experienced a $4 increase on their electric bill in February 2021, there has not been an electric usage rate increase (kilowatt-hour cost) since early 2013 because your cooperative continually works to control costs and hold down expenses. While approximately 70 cents of every dollar of your bill pays for your wholesale power costs, we’ve managed to cover all other expenses with the remaining 30 cents and still kept the power on 99.986% of the time. Considering how we depend on electricity, it still remains a great value.

So, the next time you’re enjoying your favorite podcast, TV series, or movie, consider the value of electricity and how it enhances your quality of life. 

We care about you, the members we serve, and understand that electricity is more than a commodity—it’s a necessity. That’s why JOEMC will continue working hard to power your life reliably and affordably.