[Ibrattnofich]

What would you miss most if you no longer had access to electricity?

For me: Hot Showers. However, I've got that covered with a Solar backup... so for me it would probably be refrigeration.

[rowneigerie]

Internet.

[doolarsva]

Recorded music. Though i do have an antique wind up phonograph, it just wouldn't be the same. I'd miss hearing the music i grew up with and that I always associate with with good memories and events.

[xochgtlm]

Porn.

[Ibrattnofich]

Porn.

Ahhh... an honest man!

[HottBrorb]

at this very moment? air conditioning. in the long run? refrigeration.

[Wezfyowk]

ice. i'm not chopping it out out the lake and storing it underground in sawdust.

[eFDMBwKH]

I've been without power a few times due to storms and whatnot, and it really sucked. What I haven't really experienced though is having only limited power. Lets say you have 1000 watts only. You can run a small refrigerator, a couple efficient lights, and probably a laptop off that if you're careful.

Zero electricity sucks because I have no water (well), no light, no internet (or phone), and no refrigeration. I think those are the primary things. Secondary is no electric stove or hot water.

[OwdBKKHO]

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.

[hablyShappY]

I'd miss going to a store at a moments notice and getting whatever i want on the spot.

Snow bob, cold beer, fresh steak .... damn i'd be a basket case.

[Ibrattnofich]

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.

Hey man,
I was talking about what I would MISS the most, not what is essential for life!

[wrardymar]

Air conditioning and refrigeration... In that order.

[Michael-jeckson2]

Haven't you guys heard of sun showers? They work great. Personally, refrigeration and most likely ice I would miss the most. It would be hard to give up cold drinks and ice on hot days. Those are great small comforts to help keep a happy peace of mind.

I think the rest, such as internet and electrical gadgets, would be initially like ripping off a bandaid, adapting to that change might be tough initially, but after a day or two long forgotten.

[casinobonusa]

Nothing, except contact with distant friends. I've been without power during snowstorms for a week or so and couldn't be bothered to drag out the genny. I pulled out a marine ice chest and filled it with the food and snow. If anything, I caught up on some books and good conversation. Good beer is better at room temp.

Right now here in the desert, it's over 100 and I don't have AC, but do have shade trees that keep the inside temp at 75. My well is electric but there's a spring 200 yards away.

I would miss driving if that counts. I really enjoy driving mountain and canyon roads.

[mbaueee]

My computer, I have lived with limited electricity, no AC ever, water is gravity fed,and we always drank warm beer 'specially if your really thirsty !

[casinobonusa]

I had to look. Last month's electric bill was below 30 bucks including mandatory fees. Right now there's a ceiling fan, fridge, deep freeze, and laptop plugged in. The pumphouse is on it's own meter.

I don't have Tee Vee so the kids have to find entertainment outside. Right now they're on the 100M range with their .22's

EDIT- I forgot the clock and ignition on the propane stove. The Weber BBQ sees more action than the stove so I could unplug that if I cared.

[pobrierce]

without electricity this would be the fastest way to clean up at least half the people in this country . in a few days half would be dead .

[Siuchingach]

Well, I would miss having a ready supply of clay pigeons

Seriously though, just having spent 5 days with no power we missed AC the most, but it was 95 everyday for those 5 days.
Over a longer period of time I would miss freezing and then refrigerating items as it won't stay that hot forever.

We have a well (no power, no water) and hauling water from the creek to drink and flush was a huge pita, but freezing/refrigeration would be the big one

[Gremlinn]

Well, I would miss having a ready supply of clay pigeons

Seriously though, just having spent 5 days with no power we missed AC the most, but it was 95 everyday for those 5 days.
Over a longer period of time I would miss freezing and then refrigerating items as it won't stay that hot forever.

We have a well (no power, no water) and hauling water from the creek to drink and flush was a huge pita, but freezing/refrigeration would be the big one

Then I would look into better ways of doing that more efficiently, more than 1 way to skin that cat.

Refrigeration....that's a biggie! I do love cold beer but that will be an extreme luxury I'm afraid.

[ufUUZCnc]

My Electric Guitar, that would be hard to live with getting to crank up My Strat though My Big Muff into some obnoxiously loud tube head and Sunn cabs.