Back to the Basics

Electricity—The impact of this single word is profound in our technologically advanced society. We rely on this commodity every day. It becomes easy and almost unavoidable to take the privilege of electricity for granted. We use it all the time. We use it when we take a shower, turn on a light, or cook a meal. It is everywhere.

The electricity in the valley comes from our own (small), hydro-powered powerhouse, and the backup diesel generators. Though we theoretically have a steady supply of power, we experience frequent power outages. I count this as a blessing. It is a reminder of how great a privilege electricity is. 

The longer you live in a place prone to loss of power, you acquire instinct for power outages. Unusually wet snow, or lots of it, and you can almost guarantee a power out. Lightning or windstorms also commonly cause power outs.  

Anticipation is very helpful in these instances. It gives you the opportunity to gather a few essentials while you can. Once the power is gone, everything becomes a new excursion.

With flashlights found, containers filled with water, and kerosene lamps dusted, we resume whatever normal tasks we had underway. 

If the power doesn’t go out…Oh well! If the power does go out, the preparation provides ease of mind and alleviates some of the extra work imposed by the lack of electricity. 

The power could be out for minutes, or days—you never know. I must admit, living without electricity can be a nuisance. Without power, you cannot turn on lights, you can’t use the oven, the stove top must be lighted with a match, no washer or drier, no water (cold or hot) from any kind of faucet (sink or shower), no coffee maker, no toaster, no computers or internet, you have to conserve the temperature of the fridge and freezer by opening them as quickly and as little as possible, and you have to use a five gallon bucket to flush the toilet. 

If a tree has fallen and broken a line, it is not uncommon for the power to be out overnight, or a few days. If this is the case, it is likely you will run out of water, even with the preparation. After a trip to the nearest creek, or a friend’s house who has a generator, or after melting snow, your water in replenished. 

If the power doesn’t go out…Oh well! If the power does go out, the preparation provides ease of mind and alleviates some of the extra work imposed by the lack of electricity. 

The power could be out for minutes, or days—you never know. I must admit, living without electricity can be a nuisance. Without power, you cannot turn on lights, you can’t use the oven, the stove top must be lighted with a match, no washer of drier, no water (cold or hot) from any kind of faucet (sink or shower), no coffee maker, no toaster, no computers or internet, you have to conserve the temperature of the fridge and freezer by opening them as quickly and as little as possible, and you have to use a five gallon bucket to flush the toilet. 

If a tree has fallen and broken a line, it is not uncommon for the power to be out overnight, or a few days. If this is the case, it is likely you will run out of water, even with the preparation. After a trip to the nearest creek, or a friend’s house who has a generator, or after melting snow, your water in replenished. The whole experience of a power outage is exciting and exhausting. When the lights flicker, then go out, and the hum of the fridge dies, I always feel a rush of adrenaline, and the peace and escape from the hounding of the internet is often a welcome change. When power is restored, I often feel relief mixed with a little sadness. The power is back, but so is all the busyness that comes with it.