Enduring Affordability

The average American household is steadily spending less on electricity as a percentage of its income, even as we become increasingly reliant on digital conveniences in our day-to-day lives. 

In today’s fast-paced world, many aspects of daily life become routine. For instance, a typical day might include getting ready for work, stopping by a coffee shop on the way to the office, grabbing a quick lunch at a nearby fast-food spot, and unwinding at home with a favorite streaming show before bed.

As we navigate rising inflation, it’s natural to evaluate these routines and consider the value they provide compared to the money spent. A morning latte might cost around $6, a fast-food lunch combo about $10, and a streaming subscription roughly $16 a month. These seemingly small expenses can quickly add up—$85 a week or about $340 monthly. But what do they really deliver? Often, the return is short-term satisfaction with little lasting value. Even simple changes like packing lunch can only do so much when other daily habits still carry significant costs.

Now consider this: the average daily cost of electricity is about $5.45, and the average monthly electric bill for Hendricks Power members is around $164. For the price of a single latte, electricity powers an entire home for a day. Brewing coffee at home, preparing meals, streaming shows, and even working out on a treadmill all cost less than that morning drink. That’s real value.

Electricity provides countless benefits we often take for granted. Beyond short-term convenience, it powers critical aspects of modern life, from charging devices and preserving food to heating water and maintaining comfortable living conditions. Despite inflation and other economic pressures, electricity has remained relatively cost-stable, delivering enduring value to households and businesses.

As a member-owned cooperative, Hendricks Power is committed to ensuring electricity stays reliable and affordable for everyone we serve. While keeping costs down is a priority, it’s also important to acknowledge the factors that can influence electricity pricing. These include supply and demand dynamics, infrastructure investments, operational and maintenance expenses, weather conditions, and government policies such as renewable energy incentives 
or emissions regulations.

Despite these challenges, Hendricks Power works tirelessly to balance these factors with the needs of our members. Because we’re a cooperative, decisions are made with the community in mind, prioritizing reliability and affordability.

Source: https://www.bls.gov/charts/consumer-price-index/consumer-price-index-average-price-data.htm