We know our members are feeling stretched right now. When the cost of groceries, gas, insurance and other essentials keeps climbing, every bill that arrives in the mailbox matters — including the electric bill. If you’re looking closely at your household budget or wondering how to make each dollar go further, you’re not alone. Your co-op understands, and we don’t take lightly the trust you place in us to provide reliable power at a fair cost.

That’s why I think it’s important to look at what electricity makes possible each day and the value it continues to provide in our homes, farms and businesses.

The average U.S. residential electric bill is about $150 a month — roughly $5 a day. I often think about what that $5 provides. It’s about the cost of a specialty coffee, yet electricity powers nearly every moment of our daily lives, often without us giving it a second thought. In fact, many typical purchases cost more than a day’s worth of electricity. A fast-food combo meal averages about $9, and a single movie ticket can cost around $13.

For about $5 a day, your refrigerator keeps food fresh around the clock. Your heating and cooling system helps keep your family comfortable through the seasons. Lights brighten your home after sunset. Appliances make cooking and cleaning easier. Devices stay charged so you can work, learn, communicate, and stay connected with loved ones. When you think about everything electricity makes possible, it’s one of the best values in the average household budget.

Even with electricity’s exceptional value, we know every dollar matters. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy use, Prairie Land is here to help. Visit the Energy Efficiency section of our website for energy-saving tips, home efficiency resources, and tools to help you manage your electric use. We also regularly share seasonal energy-saving advice on our Facebook page and in the Kansas Country Living magazine, so be sure to follow along. Information about federal and local electric bill assistance programs, which are administered by external organizations, can be found at www.prairielandelectric.com/ assistance-programs.

Prairie Land is proud to be more than your electric provider. Because we’re a cooperative, we’re locally owned by you, the members we serve. That means every decision we make is guided by what’s best for our community — not by outside shareholders.

Thank you for trusting us to power your home and your life. We’re committed to providing everyday value for you and your family with reliable power –– so you can make the most of every energy dollar.