Nowadays, cell phones and personal digital devices are a part of our culture. Everyone, it seems, is connected on the go—whether they’re just making phone calls, text messaging, or checking e-mail. 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 grumble and complain when the electric bill comes every month? We expect electricity to be there at the flip of the switch, and when it’s not, we get angry or frustrated.
I’m no different—I expect the lights to come on every time, too. And as the CEO of Mid-South Synergy, I have a special responsibility to make sure your electric service is safe, reliable, and affordable. But I also believe that when compared to other commodities, electricity remains a great value.
For example, over the past 10 years, gasoline has shot up 10.9 percent on average every single year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A loaf of white bread has increased 4.2 percent annually, and a dozen eggs 6.5 percent per year.
In comparison, electricity has increased just 3.7% per year. When you consider how reliable electricity is, the value goes up even more.
Those cell phones I mentioned earlier? Nearly a third of all U.S. households have four electronic devices, such as cell phones, plugged in and charging, according to the Residential Energy Consumption Survey by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In the past 30 years, the amount of residential electricity used by appliances and electronics has increased from 17 percent to 31 percent. More homes than ever use major appliances and central air conditioning. Digital video recorders (DVRs), computers, and multiple televisions have become ubiquitous.
Clearly, our appetite for electricity shows no signs of slowing down. So the next time you flip a switch, use your toaster, or run your washing machine, remember the value electricity holds. And know that we at Mid-South Synergy are looking out for you by working together to keep electric bills affordable, controlling costs through innovation, and putting you, our members, first.