The Times

Wednesday, June 2, 1976 TIMES/GUIDE 19

Electricity: How much do you know about how little it costs?

1. Four hrs. of color TV? _____ 2. Twelve hrs. of light (100 watts)? _____ 3. One average day of hot water? _____ 4. Two hrs. of ironing? _____ 5. Eight hrs. of radio? _____ 6. One hr. of dishwashing? _____ 7. One average day of electric range? _____ 8. One hr. of washing clothes? _____ 9. Eight hrs. of room air conditioning (3/4 ton)? _____ If you took the time to complete our quiz, you're probably surprised at just how little electricity actually costs. Because of the low cost of electricity, you can watch Kojak for less than it costs him for one of his lollipops. You can do 5 loads of wash (about a week's worth) for less than the cost of a single Sunday newspaper. In short, most electrical appliances cost less to use than you'd imagine. Just check the answers given below. For 47 years, while the cost of practically every service and commodity was going up, the cost of electricity was constantly going down. It wasn't until 1972 and 1974 that the general rates were increased because of inflation. The only two general increases in the company's history. However, the increase in the cost of electricity, even with the fuel adjustment charges caused by the international fuel crisis, is still practically the same as the cost of living increase from 1966 to 1976. But there is another reason why your bill has gone up. Increased usage. People are using almost 70% more electricity than they used 10 years ago. Even so, electricity represents good value, as our quiz answers prove. Now that you have a better idea of what electricity actually costs, and where you can control these costs, perhaps you also have a better idea of how electricity can serve you more efficiently. FPL FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT COMPANY 1. Color TV 4.3¢ 2. Light bulb 4.3¢ 3. Hot water 25.1¢ 4. Iron 7.2¢ 5. Radio 2¢ 6. Dishwasher 4.3¢ 7. Electric Range 12¢ 8. Washer 1.8¢ 9. Room Air Conditioner 28.7¢