Electricity is like magic. The dropoff in standard of living without is almost imponderable. It would be like stepping back 125 years in time. Gaillo mentioned hot showers. It seems like that would be so far down the list that he hasn't even thought his own question through! I can replace a hot shower with a warm bath if I have to. But think of the impact it has in these areas: Lighting, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating, automobiles, television, computers/internet, phones, medical and dental equipment, power tools, kitchen appliances, etc.