The only thing that I use power for is to keep my food cold. I have 3 lights in my house They are seldom on all at the same time. The bill for 2 households is under 100 dollars a month. Yes for power. If you learn to not use it like its a drug you are not as dependent on it. I have a little solar back up. When the power goes out here there is no internet on the whole island sometimes. Best to be prepared food etc. Common sense stuff.